QC gov’t spending P251M for flood-reducing projects

In preparation for the rainy season, the Quezon City government has rolled out a P251-million waterways infrastructure program this year for flood mitigation projects.

Aside from the major construction of retaining walls along water channels, Mayor Herbert Bautista has also ordered the city’s engineering department to step up the unclogging of waterways as well as massive cleanup operations targeting water tributaries in several barangays.

The budget will cover the construction of revetment walls and rip-rap structures along waterways in the city.

Engr. Ramiro Tiamzon, head of the QC Task Force Waterways, said in a statement that these structures have already been built along Tullahan River, San Francisco River, San Juan River, Anaran Creek and Kalamiong Creek.

At least 76 kilometers of retaining walls worth P1.6 billion have likewise been constructed, he added.

This year, the engineering department will prioritize six construction projects along major water channels in different barangays, including spending P27 million for a retaining wall along Salapan River in Barangay Mariana. A similar structure along Paltok Creek in Barangay Fairview worth P17 million will also be built.

Canals and box culverts are also being completed to reduce flooding.

Meanwhile, critical water tributaries such as Jordan Plains, Ilang-Ilang and Villa Verde Creeks in Barangay Santa Monica and Buwaya Creek in Project 4 have already undergone cleanup operations.

Sudden rains usually lead to flooding in Quezon City, prompting the city government to prepare for the rainy season.