Council asks DPS, others to declog rivers, creeks

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council is urging the Department of Public Service (DPS) in coordination with the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) and the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to conduct declogging operations in the rivers and waterways in the city.

Councilor Joel Garganera, who sponsored the resolution, said that the rivers, creeks and waterways in the city have been constricted because of improper waste disposal, thus, viable measures must be adopted.

“Our rivers and waterways help us carry and distribute rainwater to different areas all around the city and acts as drainage channels for surface water,” said Garganera.

He added that, as reported in the news articles as early as 2013, the width of the rivers in Bulacao, Kinalumsan, Guadalupe, Lahug, Mabolo, Mahiga and Estero Parian has been reduced, some of these more than half their original size, which is one of the reasons for the overflow during heavy rains.

Garganera said that the improper waste disposal by private establishments, inadequate easement, and encroachments by informal settlers have caused the rivers and waterways to be constricted.

“Our rivers and waterways reflect the true state of the city. It is imperative that we adopt viable measures to attain a sustainable and livable Cebu,” said Garganera.

He added that as one of CCENRO’s functions, it can implement the national laws and local ordinance regulating the emission or discharge of harmful substances to the atmosphere and water system, solid waste management and directives, and recommend for the apprehension of the violators and abatement of pollution.

To recall, the DEPW has been conducting declogging of manholes on identified frequented flooded areas, as part of its short-term solution to flooding.

During the declogging activities, drainage, creeks, and rivers are cleared from silted trash so that water can flow freely.

According to the DEPW, there are at least 200 identified frequently flooded areas in the city, and 80 percent of the cause of flooding is caused by the garbage thrown into the drainage. GAN (FREEMAN)