EDSA flood basin eyed

MANILA, Philippines — A flood detention basin along EDSA-Balintawak in Quezon City will be constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The DPWH has partnered with North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. to build the underground facility at the flood-prone interchange.

With a set location near the Andres Bonifacio monument, the facility will be modeled after the Burgos Circle detention basin in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said yesterday.

Dizon commended businessman Manny V. Pangilinan and NLEX Corp. for offering to build the structure under a public-private partnership.

The project is set for completion before the next rainy season, contingent on the Quezon City government’s right-of-way acquisition, Dizon said.

In a major policy shift, Dizon has unveiled President Marcos’ directive to integrate future flood detention basins with Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.

Instead of discharging rainwater into polluted creeks, Dizon said it would be redirected to Maynilad’s treatment facilities in Quezon City and processed into potable tap water for household use.

Anti-flood interventions along NLEX that prevented severe floods at Paso de Blas in Valenzuela will be a model for the upcoming urban flood mitigation projects, Dizon said.