FLOODING problems in Cebu City’s southern barangays could be solved soon with the implementation of the P1.3 billion drainage project by the second quarter of 2020.

Rodjun Taneo, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for infrastructure, said the Terms of Reference (TOR) on the design and build scheme of the project have already been approved.

The TOR includes the project description and location, design parameters and performance standards, scope of work, procurement process and general conditions, among others.

Taneo said that with the approval of the TOR, the BAC members, technical working group and the design and build committee can now meet for the formal procurement process or bidding of the project.

He added that if everything is in order, the bidding proper might start in April.

The first phase of the P1.3 billion drainage project will start at the Mambaling Flyover and end at the Sto. Tomas Villanueva Church in Barangay Pardo.

The second phase, which will be constructed simultaneously with the first phase, will start at Leon Kilat St. near Elizabeth Mall and end in Barangay Ermita.

Lowell Corminal, acting assistant head of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), said the project is based on the 2017 drainage master plan prepared by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Corminal said big culverts will be used in the entire drainage project to supplement the city’s current drainage system.

Mayor Edgardo Labella has been pushing for the implementation of the project to solve the perennial flooding problem.

Meanwhile, the DEPW is proposing P2 billion in waterway restoration projects for the 177 identified frequently flooded areas (Iffa) in the city.

DEPW head Kenneth Carmelita Enriquez said the office will submit the proposed project to Labella next week.

The 177 Iffas are in Banilad (one), Bulacao (five), Basak Pardo (14), Basak San Nicolas (10), Calamba (21), Estero Pari-an (22), Guadalupe (10), Kinalumsan (33), Kinasang-an (1), Lahug (16), Leon Kilat (10), Mahiga (20), Cogon Pardo (nine) and Tejero (five).

Enriquez said they will prioritize those Iffas where lives and properties are severely affected. (PAC & USJ-R Journalism Intern Mae Fhel Gom-os/MVG)