DPWH to hasten flood control projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways intends to fast track its flood control and drainage projects to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.

DPWH-Cebu City District Engineering Office is currently undertaking at least 83 projects slated for this year, 42 of which are related to flood mitigation.

“We are focusing on flood control for Cebu City. The city has been experiencing high-level damages because of flood... All the projects are still ongoing,” said Engineer Mary June Ruiz.

Flooding had been the usual scenario during continuous downpour in the city, especially in low-lying sections or those areas near the river channels, rainwater easily accumulates in lowlying localities while water in rivers breaches the banks once it overflows.

Considering flooding as one of the top most concern in the city, Engineer Christian Felices, of DPWH Cebu City DEO, said the agency wanted to concentrate its efforts in completing the projects as soon as possible given that the rainy season is about to set in.

The government earmarked over P949 million for the at least 42 flood control projects in several barangays within the city.

One of the major projects he identified was the ongoing construction works along T. Padilla Street wherein the existing box culverts had been replaced with flat slab bridge.

This reconstruction is purposely done to widen the waterway and prevent enormous volume of garbage that easily obstructs the culverts. The improper disposal of garbage or any waste material apparently results to clogging of water channels.

Felices said among the ongoing works are the improvement of drainage and riprap and establishment of flood control mitigation structures like revetment or line canal not only along the drainage systems but also including the major rivers like in Lahug, Guadalupe, and Butuanon.

He said the agency also clears garbage that blocks drainage inlets or manholes and conducts dredging works in desilted rivers or creeks.

He added that they are also working in restoring the width of the outfall – or the end part of the river that connects to the sea; some of the drainage outfall had been restricted that causes flowing water to backflow and flood roads during heavy rain.

The problem is allegedly caused by informal settlers, households and private establishments that occupy along these rivers and fail to observe the required easement.