Garbage in waterways blamed for flooding

THE improper disposal of waste into the city’s drainage system, creeks, rivers and other waterways is being blamed as the culprit behind major street flooding in the past week.

Garbage is still one of the reasons why Cagayan de Oro City is vulnerable to street flooding, and this was seen during the de-clogging operation in the flood-prone Villarin Street, Barangay Carmen where tons of garbage were collected.

An open drainage in Villarin Street was clogged with garbage causing floodwater to overflow.

According to Verner Monsanto, overseer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD), Villarin Street has been identified as flood-prone and is immediately closed during heavy rains.

“We can say that even without a typhoon, only thunderstorm it will cause flooding,” Monsanto said.

Based on the CDRRMRD analysis of the recent flooding, there was a rise of 15.2mm of flood water within 30 minutes from the start of the downpour.

Monsanto agreed that there is a need to craft a drainage master plan.

“We will work with the DPWH, atong ikonektar ug duna ba drainage plan ang atuang City, ikonekta nato na siya para usa ra ang patan-aw nato. We shall also maximize our resources and tap private agencies if worse comes to worse, and we need their resources for rescue operations,” he said.

The City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) continues to bat for waste segregation especially in barangays, to prevent structures from blocking waterways, and keep easements clear.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph