Cebu City to Implement 3 Flood Control Projects

The city government is set to implement three flood control projects, which include the construction of a flood retarding basin at the North Reclamation Area (NRA), part of the city that is flood-prone.

Flood retarding basins are holding ponds that temporarily store some or all rainwater runoff from a catchment.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama identified the lower portion of Block 27, a city-owned property in NRA, as an area where the flood retarding basin will be built.

The upper portion of the property will be converted into a public park and open space that can be used as evacuation area when disasters hit the city.

He said the matter was suggested by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson when they discussed the city’s flooding problem.

Rama said he will ask the DPWH and SM Prime Holdings to help fund the project. The latter’s SM City Cebu mall usually gets affected when NRA is flooded.

Rama will also tap Engr. Felipe Cruz Jr., owner of the construction company, for proof of concept for ‘drainage boring’, a system which will be installed underneath roads.

If feasible, Rama said, drainage boring will apply in the entire city.

The proof of concept is at no cost to the city, but the city will still tap DPWH for its implementation.

Rama said the city will also be requiring owners of new buildings to build underground catchment in their structures.

He said an ordinance on the matter should be passed before the council to compel building owners to comply with the requirement. (PNA) LDV/EB/SGP