P2.8B for flood control programs

CEBU, Philippines - A private group organized by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to help look for solutions to the flooding problems in the city recommended P2.8 billion to fund flood control programs.

But Engr. Julito Roden, chairman of Water Crisis Management Committee, said the amount is the estimated budget for programs for at least 10 years.

Roden said one factor that has contributed to the “very pressing problem” of flooding is the population growth in both people and structures.

He explained that because of about a million houses and buildings sprouting around in the city, the rainwater could no longer sip into the soil.

For his part, Engr. Pedro Adonis Compendio, who claimed he made the master drainage plans for Mandaue City, Talisay City and other local government units in Cebu, said the flood control programs cannot be achieved without the cooperation of barangay officials and the people.

According to him, the three major points in controlling flood involve educating the public on how to dispose of their wastes, enforcement against those who are not complying with the law, and constructing structures that help minimize flooding.

The city had already started implementing some of the recommended solutions by constructing dikes to hold the rainwater.

But Compendio said while waiting for the completion of the long-term solution, the city may just avail of the so-called “instant solution” by buying some huge suction equipment that will help drain the water from flooded areas.

He, however, admitted that the heavy-duty suction equipment is very expensive that may cost P2 million for every station.

City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete said if the City Council approves the proposed P10-billion budget, they will implement the recommendations of the group.

The city engineer is one of the members of the group.  (FREEMAN)