CH eyes ADB help to solve flooding

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government considers tapping the Asian Development Bank-Cities Development Initiative for Asia for the construction of the master drainage system to solve the flooding problem in the city.

ADB-CDIA representatives and the city officials met yesterday at the Mayor’s Office to discuss how the city can go about the application.

City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete said that ADB officials inform them that it accommodates applications for grants for the kind of project that the city government is embarking on.

“We need all the help we can get on this that’s why we are taking our chances. What we have to do is to write the ADB a formal request and hope for a positive response,” Poblete said.

The city would be seeking for technical assistance and financial assistance on the project.

Pobelete said that considering the master drainage plan was created over five years ago, it may need some updating where the ADB, if permitted, can come in.

The master drainage plan was completed in 2006 after two years of thorough study.

Poblete said the same plan may no longer be applicable to the city considering that there have been a lot of changes and developments in the last five years.

The city hopes that ADB-CDIA can give them the same technical assistance as it has given the city in the Bus Rapid Transit Proposal in the South Road Properties.

In terms of financial assistance, Poblete said it would also be better if the city can save over P500 million for the construction of a comprehensive master drainage system. The city has initially estimated the project to cost about P550 million.   - (THE FREEMAN)