Cebu City Engineering Dept. has Zero Budget for Drainage in 2017

Cebu City’s engineering and public works department did not propose a budget for drainage projects next year under the proposed annual budget, even if the city continues to suffer from flooding during heavy rains.

This is because the city government has yet to use up the PHP1.5-billion budget set aside for flood-control projects in 2015, city budget officer Marietta Gumia said.

Gumia said the city can still use the amount to carry out projects under the fund.

Engineering department chief, Josefa Ylanan, said they will give priority to drainage projects pending before their office.

“We have several flood-mitigating projects that are still pending since we have just completed the program of works and estimates,” Ylanan said.

After implementing these projects, they will submit another budget for drainage projects, she said.

Flooding is a perennial problem in the city during heavy downpours, particularly in the downtown area.

Former engineering department chief, Jose Marie Poblete, explained that the budget remained untouched because they were waiting for the completion of an updated comprehensive drainage master plan for Metro Cebu. (PNA) CVL/EB/EDS