Japanese experts studying flood mitigation system for Cebu City

Heavy rainfall during high tide has been identified as one of the causes of flood in Cebu City.

High tide prevents excess water from above normal rainfall from getting flushed to the sea resulting in the overflow of waterways and flooding in low-lying areas.

To mitigate this, engineers are proposing the construction of water retention ponds or flood interceptors that would temporarily store excess water before these are pumped to the sea.

According to Kenneth Carmelita Enriquez, head of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), experts from Yokohama City, Japan have been studying the feasibility of constructing this flood mitigation infrastructure, along with other solutions to problems related to urbanization like waste management since last year.

Enriquez said the Japanese experts have initially identified at least three areas where the water retention and pumping facility is needed, namely, Mahiga Creek, Lahug River and the Pari-an Estero.

An existing water impounding system that retards the flow of floodwater is in place in The Fort in Taguig City. A similar water impoundment facility meant to retard the flow of flood water is being constructed in Blumentritt, Manila,

Enriquez said the city government needs at least P1.8 billion in the next three years in order to implement drainage improvement projects.

Meanwhile, Councilor Margot Osmeña, the City Council’s budget committee chairperson, said she is prepared to listen to DEPW’s budget request. But she warned that appropriations will all depend on how much money the city government is capable of raising.

Mayor Michael Rama said he intends to dialog with the City Council on the matter.

The DEPW is seeking a P735.8 million appropriation in the 2014 budget for their proposed drainage projects and another P1 billion in 2015. They intend to seek P15.4 million for more drainage improvement projects in the 2016 budget.