THE Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) of Davao City recently observed existence of intentionally blocked waterways that cause drainage problems.
Albert Bermudez, administrative officer of ASU, said Thursday that they started clearing out the drainage systems in the city and have spotted blocked drainage areas.
"Ang problema, isug kaayo ang uban residents, dili mag cooperate, sama sa ilang canal ba nga dili gani kadagan ang tubig kay ilang gibabagan sa ilang mga canal (The problem is some residents are not cooperating. The water in some of the canals are not even flowing, as the residents intentionally blocked them). We cannot touch these as it is a private properties," Bermudez said.
Bermudez said the primary mandate of the ASU is to declog the drainage systems.
"Naka-cover jud ug semento ang ilang agianan. Ila jud nga gituyo. Karon ang among mabuhat kutob ra jud sa kung unsa ang mandato na limpyohon (The waterways are blocked by cement, and we can only do what we are tasked to do and that is to clean the drainage)," Bermudez said.
Bermudez said they are closely coordinating with the City Engineer's Office to address the issue.
Davao City Engineer's Office (CEO) Chief Inspection and Enforcement Division Hilario Fernandez said that in the cases of waterways, if it titled properties, they issue notices after the inspection.
"The CEO will inspect the area if it is indeed a waterway and it if there are other alternative waterways, the CEO will recommend to use that," Bermudez said.
Bermudez said the ASU is focusing at S.I.R. Matina for their clean-up.
He said the team already made accomplishments at Jade Valley, Tigatto and Porras Street in Barrio Obrero.
He added that aside from the intentionally clogged drainage systems in small areas in barangays, they can still see garbage as the primary reason for the blockage of waterways.
Bermudez assured that they have enough manpower for the task.