THE ball now is in the hands of the city legislators who could be instrumental in the final resolution of the nagging city drainage problem, Governor Erico Aumentado reported Friday in his weekly program.
In the latest coordination meeting held early this week, City Mayor Dan Lim and Governor Aumentado finally agree that the public works department’s to turn over of the facility to the city would be a key to the solution of the problem.
Mayor Lim has stood his ground in his previous position asking for the immediate turn-over of the facility so the city can have the jurisdiction over it.
The facility turn-over is also hoped to finally end the buck-passing by local officials and authorities over who has got the responsibility on the constant flooding at the low-lying portions of the CPG North Avenue.
The environment department has plugged the exit canals of the drainage when it learned that the storm drains is also used as sewerage outlet by some city establishments.
The buck-passing started when the environment department’s local office wanted the public works to unplug the connections allowed by the contractor’s consultants. The consultants on the other hand reasoned out that they just adhered to the request of their clients.
Local district engineers said they have no hand in the project because it’s implemented in the national level. They also reasoned that the local government has the responsibility to un-tap.
Over the imbroglio, residents affected by the floodings have asked for fast resolution on the issue.
With the recent development, according to the governor, DPWH undersecretary Manuel Bonoan agrees to the request of the facility turn over to the city government with some conditions.
DPWH however wants that the city would also officially request the transfer of responsibilities, including the operation and maintenance of the facility.
The governor bared that Capitol has written to the city legislative council and the city Mayor about the need to come up with a formal resolution to this effect.
Over the developments too, the Bohol head sees a silver lining behind the problem as 28 of the more than 30 establishments named with illegal connections have asked for technical help in disconnecting their taps.
At this, the DPWH has sought to maximize road maintenance funds by ensuring the setting up of more drainage facilities.
DPWH Sec. Hermogenes Ebdane has ordered men in the field to ensure that foreign-assisted projects prioritize the construction of drainage facilities including line canals and cross drains along national roads all over the country.
Ebdane has identified the absence of drainage facilities as a primary cause of fast road deterioration due to water seepage and flood waters.
Line canals and cross drains allow rain water along the national roads to freely flow towards natural waterways such as creeks or rivers.
Ebdane said the drainage will not only prevent flooding but would also prolong lifespan of roads that will redound to saving funds by decreasing maintenance work.
The public works secretary also ordered all district engineers to go on site and strictly monitor the construction of the drainage facilities, as well as to ensure that all national roads along congested metropolis are kept passable at all times. (rachiu/PIA)