Council pushes for mini-dams

CEBU, Philippines — In a bid to mitigate flooding and address the city's water supply shortage, the Cebu City Council has passed a resolution asking the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of mini-dams and impounding facilities in key areas.

The resolution, sponsored by Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, underscores the importance of the “Gabion Water Dam Ordinance of the City of Cebu,” authored by Councilor Nestor Archival Sr.

To bolster the initiative, the council urged Cebu City’s two district representatives to lobby for national support, ensuring stronger backing for the undertaking.

During yesterday’s session, the council approved Guardo’s motion for the DPWH Regional Office to conduct a feasibility study and detailed engineering design for mini-dams in Barangay Malubog-Butuanon River and the upstream portion of Bulacao River in Barangay Toong. Additionally, they requested the DPWH District Engineering Office to study the construction of three mini-dams and an impounding facility in Barangay Budla-an.

Another approved request called for a Gabion Dam to be built upstream of Poblacion Pardo. The council also asked the DPWH to prepare a Program of Work and Estimate (POWE) for expanding the existing impounding facility at the Family Park in Barangay Talamban from 2,000 sqm to 6,200 sqm—without cutting any trees.

Guardo emphasized the urgency of the initiative, citing the city's paradoxical struggle of having a water supply shortage despite frequent flooding during the rainy season.

“With this complaint, it is incumbent upon us to utilize our excessive rainwater that flows toward the ground, rivers, streams, and eventually to the seas, and convert it into potable water for MCWD (Metro Cebu Water District),” said Guardo.

The newly formed Flood Mitigation Board, established through Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2024, signed by Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, is now actively working on solutions. According to Guardo, the board consists of representatives from the Department of Engineering and Public Works, DPWH District and Regional Offices, City Planning, Gubat sa Baha, and city consultant Dr. Danny Jaque.

Cebu City currently has an existing mini-dam in Barangay Buhisan, with structures ranging from 10 to 40 meters in height. Guardo noted that mini-dams help regulate water flow, reducing downstream flooding.

“If treated, it can also provide additional water supply to MCWD, improve our groundwater recharge, and minimize siltation of waterways downstream,” he added.

A rainfall forecast analysis by Jaque’s team identified three key mountain barangays as potential sites for mini-dams---Malubog-Butuanon River, Bulacao River in Barangay Toong, and Budla-an River in Barangay Budla-an.

The largest among the proposed dams is the Malubog-Butuanon River site, covering a catchment area of 2,101 hectares. With an average annual rainfall of 1.6 meters, it is estimated to collect 1,850,000 cubic meters of water, yielding 5,000 cubic meters per day, with a recommended height of 33 meters. This river is a major contributor to flooding in downstream areas, including Butuanon River in Mandaue.

The second site, upstream of Bulacao River in Barangay Toong, spans 4.2 hectares and is expected to generate 451,000 cubic meters of water per year.

The third site, upstream of Budla-an River, has been validated as a potential location for an impounding facility.

“The result of the study validates three areas along Budlaan River as potential sites for the construction of an impounding facility,” said Guardo.

Once constructed, these mini-dams, Gabion dams, and detention ponds will serve as both short- and long-term solutions to mitigate recurring floods and water shortages, Guardo explained.

However, Councilor Philip Zafra raised concerns about DPWH’s technical capacity to design the proposed structures. He recalled that two years ago, the council allocated P2 million for Gabion dams, but DPWH failed to deliver a design, leading to the reversion of funds to the General Fund.

“Frustrating kaayo, this council has done everything within our authority to address these concerns, but there are some limitations from among the departments concerned,” said Zafra.

He further recommended a reassessment of DPWH’s staffing to ensure technical competence in executing these crucial projects. — /FPL (FREEMAN)