DPWH hard put to solve stalled antiflood project

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has yet to find an “engineering solution” for its P560-million floodwater interceptor project in Blumentritt, Manila, which has been delayed by the presence of an underground facility belonging to Maynilad Water Services.

Representatives of the DPWH-National Capital Region and the utility firm were set to meet again on May 22 to finalize their engineering plans on the installation of the water catchment facility and the realignment of the Maynilad water pipe at the intersection of Juan Luna and Hermosa Streets.

DPWH project engineer Edgardo Ramos on Tuesday said they were “wrapping up work on the new design that [was] expected to deal with the problem.”

The water pipe with a diameter of 1.2 meter lies directly in the path of the floodwater catchment project, which is 3.3 kilometers long, 6 meters wide and 3 meters deep.

When interviewed, Ramos expressed optimism that they “would be able to finish that portion of the floodwater interceptor project before next month’s opening of classes.”

For her part, Maynilad corporate communication chief Cherubim Mojica said they were “still finalizing two engineering options.”

She did not go into details, however, and only said that “both options were discussed during our meeting (with DPWH engineers) on May 14.”

“Right now, we’re conducting a joint survey with the DPWH (at the project site). The results of that survey will be discussed again during our meeting this Thursday,” she added.

The flood control project started in July last year with a completion target of 300 days although less than 40 percent of the work has been completed because of right-of-way issues and the water pipe.

Earlier, Maynilad said its pipe realignment project remained an option “until the DPWH finalizes its engineering plans for its floodwater interceptor project.”