THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will start the construction of drainage projects from Rizal Street going to Mandalagan Bridge in Bacolod City this week.
District Engineer Abraham Villareal said the drainage project along Rizal Street going to Capitol Lagoon on Lacson Street costs P20 million while the one from Lacson Street toward Mandalagan Bridge is worth P35 million.
He said they are coordinating with the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) for the deployment of traffic enforcers in these areas.
Villareal said the DPWH will occupy one lane only during the construction period.
Based on their study, there are insufficient drainage lines from Rizal Street to Mandalagan Bridge, Villareal said.
Once the drainage system will be connected to Mandalagan Bridge, flooding due to rains will totally recede at very minimum time duration.
"I hope the public will be informed about these projects to address the flood problems in Bacolod," he said.
He added these projects are expected to be finished before the MassKara Festival.
Complaint
Meanwhile, Villareal said he is ready to answer the possible complaint to be filed against him and Representative Greg Gasataya by former mayor Monico Puentevella for the implementation of the road rehabilitation program at Circumferential Road near the Lopue's East.
Puentevella earlier said he will file a complaint before the Office of the President against Villareal and Gasataya for the reconstruction of Circumferential Road.
The former mayor questioned the reconstruction, saying the road still looks good and okay.
"Do not destroy the good roads because it is already in the center area and it is not part of the flood control program," Puentevella said.
The DPWH is conducting the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and improvement of the road section from Burgos toward Homesite Bridge, which costs P24 million, including the drainage projects.
Villareal said it's not the first time that the former mayor will file a complaint against them, if ever.
"We are doing our best to provide the public a smooth riding comfort mandated by our department policy," he said.
He added that the DPWH has an international roughness index (IRR) that needs to be followed.
Villareal pointed out that if the pavement is already dilapidated and with advance scaling, it already needs to be repaired.
Before proceeding with the reconstruction, the DPWH is also conducting a survey to determine the condition of the road, and submitted the findings to the DPWH-Western Visayas for validation.
"We will not implement the project without approval from the DPWH Regional Office or Central Office," Villareal said.
He said the road is already finished and it will be passable within a week.
Gasataya said it's the DPWH that will answer the complaint because they are the implementing agency.
"It's the job of the DPWH to implement the project and not of the office of the congressman," he added.