Booster pumps, stations seen to address flooding

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-7 is now conducting a study to put up booster pumps and stations to help mitigate flooding problems in Mandaue City.

“We will be putting some parameters on the mitigation of the flooding problem in the city by installing booster pumps so that we can provide a better and fast discharge of inundation,” said Engr. Danilo Villa, Jr., DPWH-7’s Assistant Regional Director.

Mandaue Representative Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, however, said that this is still a project study and not yet due for implementation.

“Gidala gyud nganhi sa Mandaue ang mga consultants from DPWH from Manila for the conduct of project study. Akoa lang ning klaruhon nga project study pa lang ni kay dili ta gusto mo-implement og project nga palpak,” said Ouano-Dizon.

The congresswoman assured that, if this project pushes through, this will be done not just with DPWH but also with close coordination with the Mandaue City Government in alignment with the city’s Master Drainage Plan.

Ouano-Dizon added that she will do her best to include the funds needed for the booster pumps and booster stations in the 2024 budget.

She had suggested to DPWH-7 that the booster pumps and the booster station will be located near the University of Cebu-Lapu-Lapu Mandaue in Barangay Looc, as a pilot project.

“We are hoping implementable ni kay mao gyud ni akong gi-suggest sa DPWH. Kay kung magbaha na man gud sa may Wilcon, unya mobaha sad sa UCLM, ang taga Lapu-Lapu dili na makalabang sa Mandaue, and vice versa. Also, I suggest nga anha ibutang ang booster station kay duol sa dagat para inig baha masuyop dayon padung sa dagat,” said Ouano-Dizon.

Earlier, Ouano-Dizon and DPWH officials led the groundbreaking of the P220 million worth of flood control projects along Butuanon River in Barangay Alang-alang and along Tipolo creek in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City.

Ouano-Dizon said that these infrastructure projects are part of the P1.3 billion flood control projects she had recommended to the DPWH as flood mitigation measures in the flood prone areas in the city.

It can be recalled that the city was placed under a state of calamity following the massive flooding last September 9, 2022 that affected 11 of its 27 barangays.

Other flood control projects are also set in Barangay Basak worth P250 million, P60 million for Jagobiao, Maguikay worth P220 million, Tabok for 200 million, and other flood control structures in different areas along Butuanon river worth P380 million which would prevent massive soil erosion and protects local homes and people’s livelihood as well. — (FREEMAN)