Speed up Makati drainage rehab

The Makati Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) yesterday asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to speed up the rehabilitation of drainage in two of the city’s districts, in light of the massive flooding and traffic gridlock that happened at the project sites last 24 August during a heavy downpour.

This was in consonance with the directive of Makati City Mayor Abby Binay to fast-track the drainage rehab.

In a letter sent to District Engineer Arleen Beltran of the DPWH Metro Manila 2nd District Engineering Office, DEPW head Engr. Lauro Reyes urged the said office to speed up the completion of its flood control and drainage rehabilitation projects in the city.

“We would like to request your good office to fast-track the completion of ongoing and pending DPWH flood control projects in Makati City to prevent the recurrence of massive flooding in certain parts of the city during a downpour, especially this rainy season,” Reyes stated in his letter.

The city engineer said they had identified the ongoing DPWH flood control projects and the rehabilitation of drainage on Makati Avenue (District 1) and Daffodil, Begonia, Aster, Lilac, Mullein and Azalea streets in Barangay Pembo (District 2) as the causes of the massive flooding and the ensuing traffic jam.

“We would like to know when the rehabilitation would be finished since our department and the city government have been unjustly criticized for the massive floods in the said areas,” Reyes wrote, adding that he looked forward to receiving feedback from the DPWH official.

Also attached to his letter were relevant reports, photos, findings and recommendations of the DEPW.