MAYOR BLAMED FOR LACK OF ANTI-FLOOD PROGRAM

Heavy rains flood several major streets in city; Pagasa says more rains expected due to low pressure area

The downpour shortly before noon yesterday lasted only less than an hour, but it flooded several streets in Cebu City, the traffic group said.

Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said the flooded areas included M.J. Cuenco Ave., Colon St., Fuente Osmeña, Nasipit, Talamban, Bontores St., in Barangay Basak Pardo, portion of N. Bacalso Ave. and in North Reclamation Area in Barangay Mabolo. Except for Bontores St., a secondary road, all are national roads.

Because of the flooding, Ouano said there was heavy traffic in these areas for two hours.

Opposition Councilors Raymond Garcia and Joel Garganera said flooding has been a recurring problem of the City that the mayor failed to address.

“In 1988, he was already the mayor and if he is a true visionary, he could have solve that problem along with traffic and basura (garbage) until now the problem keeps on recurring,” Garcia said.

Last June, the Department of Engineering and Public Works terminated the contract of some projects including flood control for lack of requirements. Engr. Nilo Igot, assistant city engineer, earlier said contracts for road concreting with drainage system in some barangays amounting to P72.6 million were also terminated due to delays in civil works.

Aside from the infrastructure projects, Igot said declogging of drainage systems in several areas city is a year-round activity.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa) yesterday said many areas in the Visayas experienced light to moderate and occasional heavy rainshowers yesterday morning due to thunderstorms.

Pagasa Mactan Chief Al Quiblat said it’s the same forecast for the next 48 hours due to extension of low pressure area.

In Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, Quiblat said they experienced a heavy downpour that brought four millimeters of rainwater, or equivalent to four million liters of water in just 28 minutes.

Pagasa Mactan Chief Al Quiblat said it’s the same rainy forecast for the next 48 hours due to extension of low pressure area.