Road repair work starts

Some P16-million worth of roads and other infrastructure projects in Metro Manila were damaged due to floods caused by heavy rains in the past few days, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday.

DPWH-National Capital Region director Antonio Sta. Ana said workers are waiting for the rains to stop before carrying out road repair work, mostly asphalting potholes.

"Asphalting work on roads can’t be applied when it rains because asphalt becomes less effective when it gets wet," Sta. Ana said.

Sta. Ana also dismissed allegations that corruption at the DPWH compromises the quality of materials use on road repairs.

On flood control, Sta. Ana claimed the DPWH had improved the flood control system in Metro Manila but the heavy volume of rainwater resulted in massive floods.

According to Sta. Ana, the flood control system was designed to handle only two millimeters of rains but the rainwater that fell from July 4 to 8, was estimated at 4.30 millimeters. From July 12 to 13, officials reported that a volume of six to seven millimeters of rainwater fell. – Cecille Suerte Felipe