CEBU, Philippines — As a way to help prevent flooding, a property developer has improved and expanded portions of the city’s drainage system at the South Road Properties (SRP) with the collaboration of the city government.
Full-range property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has installed an additional box culvert near City di Mare (CDM), its 40-hectare joint venture project with the Cebu City government, to allow faster outflow from a heavy downpour and spare Cebuanos from any inconvenience.
The project is part of the drainage plans the FLI and Cebu City began as early as 2015.
"We are proud to continue collaborating with the Cebu City LGU in this significant project and provide a sustainable solution to the city’s drainage challenges,” said Don Ubaldo, first vice president for Filinvest Townships, in a press statement.
"This initiative aligns with Filinvest Land's commitment to creating sustainable and resilient developments that enhance the well-being of Cebuanos and the environment,” he added.
A box culvert is described as a tunnel-like structure generally built under roads to channel water from one side to another. It expands the current drainage system near CDM at SRP, and properly redirects excess water during heavy rains.
In addition to the planned drainage improvement, FLI also raised and expanded sidewalk gutters near CDM to benefit pedestrians. Additional concreting of entrance humps will follow, it added.
The Filinvest Group is a key player in championing solutions to Cebu City’s water-related challenges, including the provision of potable water.
In a previous courtesy call, Filinvest officials met with Mayor Mike Rama to discuss sustainable solutions to the city’s current water shortage, including a proposal to increase Cebu City’s water supply through desalination, utilizing the abundant seawater around the province.
CSCR lights
Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas is hopeful that all the lights at the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) will already be operational before the end of September.
Some CSCR lights got destroyed during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through Congresswoman Rhea Gullas, is leading the lighting project.
The mayor explained that the project to fix all the lights got delayed because the fund was not immediately included in the 2022 budget. The legislator has expedited the release of the funds this year.
The lighting project started in Barangay San Roque, and they now have lit up until Barangay San Isidro already.
Gullas said that he has requested the DPWH to finish the work by September 29, so that when the festivities begin on October 1, the streets are already well-lit. — (FREEMAN)