DPWH hit over flood project delay

MANILA, Philippines – Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. is demanding that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) show the city government its detailed plan for a drainage project that has left Maysilo Circle flooded.

In a letter to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson dated Jan. 29, Abalos expressed the city’s “incrementing collective concerns” over the project, located near the city hall.

He said the city government is being blamed by netizens for the slow pace of the anti-flood project, which is being handled by the DPWH.

“The flooding gets worse with each passing day. After a more than a couple of years already, the people of Mandaluyong expect to see and experience a certain level of ease and reassurance to say the least. The affected major roads have long been rendered useless and impassable – traffic has become unbearable,” Abalos said.

Abalos added that the flooding has also forced several businesses around Maysilo Circle to close.

“Many business establishments have already shut down due to record-low sales as a few more plan to do the same,” he said.

The mayor said stagnant floodwater has become the breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes and this has “immediately contributed to the rise of dengue patients in our local hospitals.” Most of the patients are children.

Abalos asked Singson to include in the detailed plan the timetable indicating when the project will be finished and at the project’s current stage of completion.

He said the city government will relay to the public the information given by the DPWH.

“This somehow will equip us in addressing certain issues and would not keep us groping for answers in the dark,” he said.