City eyes PPP for 4 dam projects

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Committee on Infrastructure is considering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the construction of at least four mini dams as part of the city government’s anti-flood measures.

This move comes after the city’s budget for dam construction under the Comprehensive Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation was slashed from P200 million to just P1.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Infrastructure, revealed in an interview with The Freeman that during their weekly meeting with Task Force Gubat sa Baha, they identified four areas suitable for mini dams. These locations, all in upland areas, were determined based on assessments and recommendations from their consultant, Dr. Danny Jacque.

According to Guardo, flooding in the city proper is largely caused by runoff water from the uplands.

“So if we can mitigate kining mga storm water, coming from upstream, then ma control ang kining tubig diri sa ubos,” he said.

The proposed mini dams would function similarly to the Buhisan Dam, differing from the current flood control designs that mainly focus on improving rivers and creeks. Guardo emphasized that while these existing measures help clear waterways, they do not directly control runoff water from upstream, which is crucial in reducing urban flooding.

Aside from flood control, the mini dams could serve as rainwater basins during the rainy season and could potentially be used as a bulk water supply for the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD).

“Kay reklamo ta nga kulang ta’g supply sa tubig… but during the rainy season, we have an oversupply of water, gibaha na gani ta,” Guardo pointed out.

“Grabe ang supply sa tubig, we did not just properly manage atong storm water,” he added.

The initial sites under consideration include Budlaan, the upstream portion of the Butuanon River, and other yet-to-be-identified areas. Guardo also mentioned the possibility of constructing detention basins or ponds in some locations, which could store excess water and be treated for potable use.

With the budget cut, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia acknowledged the need to seek alternative funding sources. Guardo stated that they are currently looking at two possible options: securing funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or pursuing a PPP.

“Once the feasibility study is done, ato na ni i-present sa investor because the fastest other way is through a PPP, we can invite investors, kinsay interested,” said Guardo.

A detailed engineering design and feasibility study will be required to determine the capacity of the proposed dams. Guardo noted that this will be a key factor in attracting potential investors who may finance the water treatment and supply it to MCWD as bulk water.

While DPWH has allocated funds for flood control projects, Guardo acknowledged the budgetary constraints and the need for alternative financial sources. He added that a PPP agreement could be formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement to facilitate private sector involvement in the project.

Mayor Garcia has long advocated for the construction of dams in Cebu City’s upland areas as a long-term solution to the water shortage during the dry season. He also emphasized that these dams would help regulate water flow during heavy rains to prevent flooding in the lowlands.

As a short-term measure, the city plans to deploy water tankers to provide relief to residents and farmers affected by dry spells. However, Garcia noted that additional assistance from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) might be necessary to address water supply concerns effectively. — /FPL (FREEMAN)