Mayor wants catch basin at NRA

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is eyeing at installing a “retarding basin” under the grounds of Block 27 at the North Reclamation Area to address the flooding problem in Cebu City, especially during heavy rains.

“I have talked to Dave Singson and I also had talked with (SM Prime Holdings, Inc. President) Han Sy of SM City Cebu and I brought to Singson the idea of a catchment basin or retarding basin,” Rama said in his regular press conference yesterday.

Three days ago, a downpour resulted floodwaters to reach knee-deep water level outside the vicinity of the shopping mall, stranding passengers and trapping motorists.

“When flood comes (due to heavy downpour,) rainwater will enter (the area) which I am referring to Block 27 (at North Reclamation Area). That underground of Block 27 will now be converted as a retarding basin,” Rama said.

“So that idea is the most important intervention (to address flooding woes in the area),” he said further.

On November 4, 2014, Rama considered converting Block 27 into a park or a space that can be utilized as a shelter during calamities.

“That (Block 27) is a city property and we are thinking of (converting the Block 27 grounds) as a park and then open space, evacuation or events because I think (the area) has its purpose,” Rama said.

“I wish DPWH can come in funding it… If they have the money to include it or whatever future (preparations) that we have to address,” he added.

If proven effective, the city government might likewise consider “drainage boring” which is a draining method installed under road lanes in the city.

“I met Engineer Felipe Cruz and I will be requesting him (Cruz) on advice also of Dave Singson’s proof of concept about the drainage through boring (which is Cruz’s idea),” he said.

According to a website dictionary Techopedia, it defined “proof of concept” as a demonstration with a purpose “to verify that certain concepts or theories have the potential for real-world application.”

“So we will be asking Mr. Felipe Cruz since the engineer is the one who shared the idea of the drainage through boring… wherein the drainage system has to be installed below the lane without much disturbance supposedly aboveground,” Rama said.

“I met him and (I learned that) he is into developmental (undertaking) and then (also with) upgraded and enhanced technical intervention,” he further said, referring to Cruz.

If the proposal could be effective, Rama said the city government will consider it as well hoping that it can be done immediately to fast track excavation works for a better drainage in the entire city.

“We always have to think [on what resources we need] where DPWH will have the money since we have the property and (think of) where SM’s corporate social responsibility can come in as well so that the whole project can serve very well within that area,” he said further.

Without yet having the estimated funds in mind, Rama said they will still discuss how much money may be needed.

Moreover, Rama said the executive department intends to push for a city ordinance that will require new buildings to include an underground catchment basin.

“I am going to introduce an ordinance still about catchment basin, bringing all buildings to have not just cistern above but to have an underground retention or catchment basin but it has to be through an ordinance,” he said.

“All water during rain will be impounded (underground where in accumulated rainwater will) be released when the rain is over and most of all when the tide is low,” he said.

METRO WIDE PLAN

As this develops, the Department of Public Works and Highways has awarded to a Manila-based consulting firm the feasibility study on flood and drainage plan for MetroCebu, which will commence within the year.

 Evelyn Nacario-Castro, executive director of Mega Cebu-Research, said DPWH has chosen Woodfields Consultants Inc. for the study.

 The study will identify and delineate a floodplain and make recommendations to mitigate the flood hazard, as well as to improve the safety and function of the waterway. Studies like these are, at times, completed in conjunction with a Flood Hazard Area Delineation Study.

 According to Castro, DPWH will facilitate the conduct of a metro-wide master flood and drainage plan.

Meanwhile, the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board and National Economic and Development Authority-7 will craft the terms of reference.

 Castro said it was emphasized to Woodfields that while they are overseeing the planning, they should propose projects that can address concerns even in the absence of a final master plan.

 “Dili na necessary mag wait sa master plan para ma address na immediately angubang pressing concerns,” she said.

 Castro said master flood and drainage plans of every local government unit will be given to Woodfields for their inputs.  — (FREEMAN)