P120M sought for master plan

WITH imminent flooding in the metropolis and surrounding towns, the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) passed a resolution on Wednesday requesting funds from the President for its drainage plan.

Chaired by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, the MCDCB meeting yesterday was attended by chief executives, government line agency heads, private sector representatives, National Economic Development Authority (Neda) staff, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) staff, and guests.

During the meeting, the board passed a resolution requesting the Office of the President to appropriate P120 million for an integrated master plan for a comprehensive drainage system for Metro Cebu.

Before the passage of the resolution, Engr. Jun Sanchez made a presentation on a progress report on drainage that showed 18 flooded areas in 1983, when Metro Cebu has drainage masterplan, compared to 127 flooded areas in 2006, when the drainage plan was no longer implemented.

Sanchez, chairman of the MCDCB committee on infrastructure and utilities, said the drainage master plans of some Metro LGUs are mere descriptions of drainage projects with no detailed engineering.

Costing P120 million to P150 million, the integrated master plan for the drainage project will include detailed engineering. It will only need implementation or construction.

In his power point using Google Earth, Sanchez showed canals and open drainage lines in other cities here and abroad, with uniform width from upstream to outfall in seas.

Comparatively, he showed canals or esteros in Metro Cebu, with decreasing width and with settlers on both sides.

After his power point presentation, Sanchez revealed five recommendations to address imminent flooding.

First is to urge local government units (LGUs) to pledge to the proposed fund with DPWH for the integrated master plan.

He asked the board to ask congressmen in Mega Cebu to lobby for DPWH funds through the Priority Development Assistance Fund or realigned funds to augment the LGUs’ limited budget for drainage projects.

Sanchez is also calling for the removal of informal settlers living along the natural canals, rivers and creeks as part of the master plan.

He also wants to extend Cebu City’s “Restoration of River and Three-meter Easement” program to 12 other LGUs.

Lastly, he urged LGUs that have master plans to continue to implement or start projects that are prioritized and have been identified.

Also discussed during the meeting were the Cebu Tourism Roadmap, World City Summit, and MCDCB updates.

Based on the attendance sheet, only three mayors were present: Carcar Mayor Nicepuro Apura, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado and Liloan Mayor Duke Frasco.

Minglanilla Vice Mayor Lani Peña and Cordova’s representative Lily Ator were also there.

MCDCB co-chairman Roberto Aboitiz was also in the meeting.