The Baguio City Council advised the City Engineering Office to hasten the formulation of a comprehensive master development plan for the city’s drainage system.
During the council’s Sept. 20 session, Councilor Michael Lawana recalled the council, in 2015, requested for the completion of the master development plan, which will serve as the blueprint for the implementation of drainage projects.
City Engineer Victorio Olpindo said his office, the City Planning and Development Office, and the Department of Public Works and Highway-Baguio City District Engineering Office are mapping out future drainage projects, which will eventually form part of the development plan.
Olpindo said the plan will be completed in two years as it involves tedious processes such as the inspection of drainage facilities in the 128 barangays.
However, Lawana said two years is too long a time considering the urgent need for a holistic and comprehensive planning for the implementation of drainage projects.
Olpindo reported from 2017 to 2021, the DPWH has been allocating in its annual budget funds for drainage and flood control projects.
In 2017, the agency allotted P35 million; P75M in 2018, P36M in 2019, P160.8M in 2020, and P121M for 2021. Some have been completed while others are ongoing.
The city government also allotted in its annual budget some amount to augment the DPWH funds.
The city government allotted P9M in 2017 and 2018, P16M in 2019, P24M in 2020, and P12M for 2021.
Drainage and flood control works include installation of drainage-sewerage debris interceptors at the City Camp lagoon; construction of a 1.5 km tunnel at the City Camp lagoon; flood protection works for sinkholes; construction and rehabilitation of the city roads’ drainage system; construction and rehabilitation of drainage facilities along national roads; flood protection and mitigation works; river training and flood protection at Bued River, Asin-Gallano River, Ambalanga River, and Balili River; and tree-planting, parks improvement, and installation of water retention structures. – Jordan G. Habbiling
July 27, 2024
