City taps calamity funds to desilt rivers

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Council committee on infrastructure started tapping the calamity fund to desilt rivers and the drainage of streets that often overflow due to heavy rains.

Meanwhile, heavy rains uprooted an acacia tree yesterday afternoon in Barangay Bulasa, Argao, southern Cebu, blocking the national road and stranding passengers for almost two hours.

Cebu City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, committee chairman, said they initially proposed the allocation of P4 million to be charged against the calamity funds for the Tejero creek in Barangay Tejero and streets that are clogged with plastics and other waste, causing floods.

Desilting the Tejero creek, he said, is already an urgent matter because it poses danger to residents living in the area every time it overflows.

They also received various complaints on frequently flooded areas, which is likely to continue this rainy season if not given attention.

Cabarrubias said the ultimate solution to the flooding problem is the implementation of a comprehensive drainage system.

Unfortunately, the city's master drainage plan is still pending for implementation due to lack of funds.

The city needs at least P700 million for this.

Mayor Michael Rama said that within the next three months or for the next 100 days, solving the city's drainage problem will be his priority.

The P4-million requested for desilting shall start as soon as the council approves it.

The proposal was deferred for a week or until such time the proponent will be able to provide the breakdown of the budget.

Cabarrubias said they need to tap the calamity fund so the money for the rent of dredging equipment can be released immediately.

Streets identified as flood prone areas will be prioritized.

According to the city's Crisis Management Office, areas highly vulnerable for flash floods are Barangay Mambaling near Kinalumsan River, Camputhaw, Tejero, Mabolo near Mahiga, Guadalupe, Lahug, Lorega, Labangon and Capitol site near the National Bureau of Investigation office.

Flood prone city streets are Lutaw-lutaw in Tisa and Labangon, Junquera St., Colon, Leon Kilat, Sanciangco, A. Soriano Avenue, Holy Spirit in Mabolo, Manalili, Jakosalem, Legaspi, Mabini, M.J. Cuenco, Rizal avenue Extension, Magallanes, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Panganiban, de la Montafia, Escario, Archbishop Reyes, Panagdait, Guadalupe area, Kasambagan St. in Mabolo, Mango Avenue, Banilad Area, P. del Rosario, Fuente Osmeña Rotunda and S. Cabahug St.

Even the mountain barangays of Binaliw, Sirao, Malubog, Sinsin, Busay, Buot-Taup, Guba, Pulangbato, Pamutan and Tagba-o are flash flood prone areas.

In Cebu, floods are exacerbated by illegal constructions, encroachment on easement areas by squatters and the inadequate or obsolete city drainage system.

Also, rivers are heavily silted and waterways are blocked with trash. - Jessica Ann R. Pareja/ Mellanie C. Rosales/JPM (FREEMAN)