A STEEL factory in San Simon, Pampanga called on the attention of concerned government agencies to help in the repair of drainage systems along Quezon Road ahead of the rainy season.
Real Steel Corporation (RSC) has reached out to the barangay council of San Isidro, local and provincial government, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the immediate repair of the waterways to prevent possible flooding come the rainy season.
In a letter sent to government agencies, RSC noted the alleged defective drainages in front of First Balfour Company and Goodwill Company along Quezon Road that may hamper the flow of rainwater and eventually caused flooding in the area.
"While it is summer season, it is high time that we ensure that flood waterways are not clogged and drainage facilities are ready way ahead of the onset of the rainy season," the company wrote.
It cited several concerns such as unfinished road widening activity, hampered canals and exploited setback areas, which could cause major problems not only to companies along with the areas but also to residential communities of Barangays San Isidro and Sta. Monica in San Simon.
RSC said it has repeatedly sent complaint letters to concerned agencies from February 2021 but corrective measures have yet to be undertaken.
"The rehabilitation efforts we've done into our drainage and waterways will be inoperable if our neighboring companies will not be taking steps in fixing their drainage system so we are hopeful of quick response and intervention from the government," it noted.
Barangay response
Barangay San Isidro Chairman Randie Flores, who has jurisdiction over the concerned area, confirmed the current condition of the drainage system in the said area.
He said one of the possible causes of the problem was the excavation activities conducted by the local government way back in July 2020 as part of its flood prevention program.
"In July to August 2020, after the onslaught of a typhoon, which caused massive flooding in Barangays San Isidro and Sta. Monica, so the local government conducted excavation activities to unclog the waterways. However, I think it caused a bigger problem because debris of the structures that were damaged by the excavation was just left in the area and clogged the waterways," he said.
Flores, meanwhile, assured the affected company and the community that the barangay will look for ways to resolve the problem before the rainy season comes.
He said he already wrote a letter to DPWH and fourth district Representative Juan Pablo Bondoc to seek assistance as the barangay does not have the financial capability to shoulder the repair.
Intervention from LGU
Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr., for his part, declined to comment on the issue but his administrator, Yang Dimla, said the local government had long informed the concerned companies of the complainant raised against them by RSC.
Dimla also provided SunStar Pampanga a copy of the communication letters between First Balfour and Municipal Engineering Office that recommended solutions to the problem.
DPWH Maintenance Office Chief Alfie Lejarde, meanwhile, said that he has not received a copy of the complaint letter from RSC but assured that the agency would immediately act on the matter.
He said he would order an inspection of the area and provide a temporary solution, if needed, while waiting for a possible long-term one.