Waterway restoration seen to end flooding for good

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) has disclosed their plans in addressing the flooding problem in some sitios in Cebu City.

DEPW Head Engr. Kenneth Carmelita Enriquez said that among the department’s plan is a waterway restoration in the areas which are included in the identified frequently flooded areas in the city.

It has been reported that there was long-term flooding in certain sitios in Barangays Kinasang-an, Pardo, and Talamban that reached the Office of Mayor as residents complained of the bad smell and health risks.

To recall, Mayor Edgardo Labella immediately ordered the siphoning or suction of the floodwater in the mentioned areas, but Enriquez said that it cannot be undertaken with such process.

In Sitio Tabucanal in Barangay Pardo, suction cannot be done because there is no passage for water since there are lots of houses encroaching the area.

The long-term solution, according to Enriquez, is the waterway restoration or the activity of restoring a canal or river, including special features such as warehouse buildings, locks, boat lifts, and boats.

She said the time frame for such would depend on availability of a Supplemental Budget.

“If naa na ang kwarta, within 1-2 years ang implementation,” said Enriquez.

She said the short-term solution is that there should be an allowed passage of water, which could mean that the arrangement of the houses in the area will be changed.

For Sitio Paradise 3 in Barangay Kinasang-an, Enriquez said that the long-term solution they are considering is that to put up big sewers so that there could be passage for water.

She said they need the the cooperation of a construction company and taxi service in the area because it is where the natural passage of water is located.

“They have to understand na walay kaagian sa tubig,” she said.

Lastly, in the unnamed sitio in Barangay Talamban, Enriquez said that there should be collaboration with Mandaue City when they start with a flood control project.

She said the drainage trunk in the area should be enlarged then it will be connected to an area in Mandaue City, which will be the one to receive the water from Talamban.

Labella earlier said that an immediate action is necessary in the city’s flooding problem.  JMD (FREEMAN)