Malabon City Mayor Canuto “Tito” Oreta yesterday assailed officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and contractor Nishimatsu Construction Company Ltd. of Japan for their failure to complete the P3.5-billion Camanava flood control project this July.
The project is only 77 percent complete.
“We decry this apparent neglect. We are calling for the immediate completion of this project, long touted to solve the flood problem of Camanava and Malabon, most importantly, because at stake are the lives of some four million people, “ Oreta said in a press briefing held at the city hall.
Oreta said they regularly hold meetings but they could not get an answer from the officials as to when the project will be done.
Oreta said frequent flooding has been a hindrance to Camanava’s development.
“Investors will not risk their money... by putting them in this waterworld,” said Oreta, adding that even residents who have businesses in the city have pulled up their stakes.
Oreta said the city government of Malabon is also concerned with the aggravated flooding caused by damaged dikes.
He said the city cannot repair the breached parts because aside from having no funds, these are components of the flood control project. Barangay officials also complained that part of their local funds have gone to emergency measures to soften the effects of the daily flooding.
Barangay officials have reported that the damaged dikes in their jurisdiction let in the flood waters, especially at high tide, into 10 of the city's 14 barangays. – Jerry Botial