DAVAO City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte ordered the fast-track of the construction of all 38 drainage and flood mitigating structure projects so that these will be completed before the end of the year, a councilor bared yesterday.

Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr., committee head on public works and highways, said the mentioned projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 11, which are worth P2.1 billion, are currently ongoing.

Ibuyan said these projects aim to address the worsening flood woes in some portions in the city.

Based on the submitted project activities of DPWH 11, flood control mitigation structures are currently being constructed along Davao River, Matina River, Bago River, Talomo River, Lasang River, Bunawan River, and Panacan River, which are classified by the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDDRMO) as flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, pumping stations are being constructed in the areas of Sasa, and Jade Valley.

While drainage structures along Daang Maharlika and Diversion Road going to Davao-Cotabato Outfall are also included in the ongoing construction.

Ibuyan said additional 52 drainage and flood control projects are also targeted to be implemented next year, including improving the drainage system along downtown area.

He, however, said that he is going to propose for more areas to be constructed with drainage structures and flood control since the current number can no longer accommodate to the volume of rains pouring out due to the increasing number of population and infrastructure buildings.

"However, we have to consider that these are just mitigating measures. This cannot really totally prevent the floods considering our city is a catch-basin area. We also have to consider other factors as to why we are experiencing floods," the councilor said.