Flood control projects pushed in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines – Two projects aimed at combating flooding have been lined up in Quezon City, awaiting funds from the national government for their implementation.

Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde said the construction of a detention basin under G. Araneta Avenue and the so-called “Talayan Flood Interceptor” are two “very doable” projects that would require the support of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The said detention basin will involve the construction of flood interceptors in Brgy. N. S. Amoranto, from G. Araneta Ave. to San Francisco River. The Talayan Flood Interceptor, on the other hand, can accommodate 10,000 cubic meters of flood water along streets in Brgy. Talayan and involves the upgrading of drainage pipes so that their drainage capacity can be increased to 12,000 cubic meters.

Atayde stressed that these projects are intended to address chronic flooding not only in his district, but also the of rest city.

The recent heavy downpour brought by the “habagat” and the flooding it caused prompted the suspension of classes in Quezon City and in other Metro Manila LGUs. 

"Malaki talaga ang epekto ng baha sa buhay ng mga taga QC, lalo na sa Distrito Uno. Classes in private and public schools at all levels were once again suspended in the city, and the national government saw it fit to suspend work in government offices and classes in public schools in NCR. We cannot simply accept this. Hindi naman pwede ganito forever; kailangan na natin aksyunan ito," said the lawmaker.

"My constituents, and the residents of Quezon City, are a resilient people. Pero ‘di naman makaturungan na i-expect na taon-taon magtitiis sila kung kaya naman natin tugunan ang problema na ito," he added.

Atayde pointed out that Quezon City already has a comprehensive flood mitigation study and actionable plans to address flooding.

He said he learned of such study, conducted by the University of the Philippines and commissioned by the Quezon City LGU, from Mayor Joy Belmonte herself. 

"Ang kailangan po ay pondo at suporta mula sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), kasi may dalawang measures na very doable and can have an immediate impact on flood mitigation efforts," Atayde continued.

According to the congressman, the budget for detention basin under G. Araneta Avenue would be at least P4 billion. The proposed basin will be 2.2 kilometers long and hold as much as 282,000 cubic meters of water.

During Typhoon Carina, G. Araneta Avenue experienced an estimated flood volume of 234,000 cubic meters, with flood depths of up to 2.4 meters in certain areas.

According to Atayde, the funds needed for the two projects "are an investment in improving the lives of long-suffering QC residents who must be worried every time the rains pour."

"Pero hindi lang ito issue ng convenience. This is an issue of productivity as well. We cannot allow rains to continually disrupt classes, businesses, and even government services. If there are solutions within reach, we should implement them immediately," he said.