P44B for Metro Cebu flood control

Our LGUs should not worry about looking for budget for FS for its flood control and drainage systems

The Deparment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas yesterday disclosed that Local Government Units (LGU) in Metro Cebu need not allocate millions of pesos for feasibility studies (FS) for their flood control and drainage systems as these are already in place in the P44 billion Metro Cebu Flood Control and Drainage Systems Masterplan for the next 10 years.

Sixth District Provincial Board Member and former Regional Development Council (RDC)-7, Infrastructure Committee Chairman Glenn Soco told the Daily Tribune that LGU should no longer spend for feasibility studies yearly which reach millions of pesos worth as it has already been allocated with the DPWH budget.

“Our LGU should not worry about looking for budget for FS for its flood control and drainage systems,” he added.

Reportedly, the conduct of feasibility studies has become “milking cow” of local officials and private contractors as this is being made on an annual basis and would reach millions of pesos in public funds.

DPWH Regional Director Engr. Edgardo Tabacon confirmed that there is the P44 billion alloted for flood control and drainage systems for Metro Cebu.

“Initially, about P2 billion has already been released since 2018 and this is a 10-year program,” Tabacon said.

Metro Cebu comprises the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Naga, Carcar and Naga and the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan and Compostela in the north and Minglanilla and San Fernando in the south.