Clogged catchement

Illegal settlers have taken over natural catchbasin in La Verna

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) is seeking the help of the city government of Davao for the relocation of illegal settlers who occupied the supposed natural water impounding area to give way for its rehabilitation in addressing the perennial flashfloods.

During Tuesday’s session at the City Council, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang questioned DPWH 11 regional director Allan Borromeo on the flood problem at La Verna Hills Subdivision that strands motorists and the riding public when heavy rains pour despite the canal already in place.

“Based on what I’ve learned, there is a natural water impounding area

there but to the surprise of the DPWH, it is now occupied by the illegal settlers,” he said.

He also said, “We seek the ejection of those illegal settlers so that we can improve the area, we can go back proper usage as the natural impounding area for excess water. We need the assistance of the Sangguniang Panglungsod or City Government so that we can push through some alternative [plan] to have it go back to its original usage.”

Borromeo said that there is a natural creek at La Verna Hills Subdivision but because of the development, it was converted into residential houses.

Since there are still the illegal settlers there, they cannot push through with their plan to improve the impounding area. In a bid to fast track their project, these settlers must get relocated first.

He said that they are going to make a design in coordination with the city government to solve the flood problem.

Although he said that the road could be elevated, they could not compromise the safety of the residence because they will be affected by it.

“Gitagaan nato ug seguridad nga ang atong dalan secured pero how about the residential areas? Kinahanglan pod nato tabangan iaadress nato ang problema (We can secure the roads but what about the residential areas. We also need to address the problem),” he added.

On Friday, July 6, a bunch of vehicles got stuck in traffic at La Verna Hills Subdivision along C.P. Garcia Highway when the floodwater level rose in the area. This scene has become a usual experience every time heavy rains pour as the subdivision is positioned low between two hills, thus, the water coming from the north and south portions will go down there which would cause quick flooding.

MACKY LIM LA VERNA SOLUTION. Public Works and Highways Region 11 Director Allan Borromeo vows to take action on the La Verna flooding after the issue was raised by several councilors during yesterday's regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod in Davao City.