PHP10B, Political Will Needed to Widen Metro Cebu’s Rivers, Creeks to Solve Flooding, says City Exec

At least PHP10 billion and political will are needed to widen rivers and creeks in Metro Cebu to up to 30 meters to solve the flooding problem, an official of a multi-sectoral group said.

Engineer Fortunato Sanchez Jr., Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) infrastructure and utilities committee chairman, said the cost will include the removal of informal settlers and illegal structures from the banks of rivers and creeks.

Sanchez said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) estimated it to cost only PHP2.4 billion when it first made a drainage master plan for Metro Cebu in 1995.

“Now, our estimate is PHP10 billion and this will increase if the government will further delay its action on the problem on flooding,” Sanchez said.

He said three studies for a drainage master plan were done by different foreign consultants in 1983, 1995 and in 2007, but these were not implemented.

“Political will is needed to relocate the informal settlers and demolish the buildings that encroached the rivers and creeks,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said this is the reason the number of flood-prone areas increased over the years from only nine areas in 1983 to 127 in 1995 and 175 flood-prone areas by 2001.

The studies recommended widening rivers and creeks to up to 30 meters.

It should also follow a straight path so that rainwater will flow continuously to the sea instead of flowing to the streets.

Sanchez said the flooding in some parts of Metro Cebu last July 1, which caused a five-hour traffic gridlock in some areas, should serve as a warning to local officials and the public.

The rainfall that time was only 55 millimeters, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mactan.

Sanchez said the flooding could be much worse if the rainfall was higher. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS