Cebu City to build water retention pond to combat flooding

RETENTION POND The booming uptown area of Cebu City includes some low-lying villages that are prone to flooding. (PNA file photo)

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City government will build a water retention pond in the upland area of Nasipit in Barangay Talamban to address the flooding problem in some lowland villages here, the mayor said on Tuesday.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said his office hired Danilo Jaque as a technical resource person for the “war on flood” efforts of the city government who will act as a consultant for drainage, flood control and stormwater management.

Garcia said he had already given the marching order to Jaque to conduct a feasibility study for the installation of the water retention pond that will prevent severe flooding during heavy downpours in neighboring villages of Banilad and Talamban.

The mayor said he has also asked the help of the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the project.

The new consultant, he said, has vast experience in planning and designing flood control structures in some local governments and private developers.

Jaque was formerly a member of the Technical Working Group of the Metro Cebu Integrated Flood Control and Drainage System Master Plan which was funded by the DPWH in 2016.

“With Jaque’s technical know-how, the city will be given proper guidance in addressing our flooding problems,” Garcia said.

The city consultant is yet to determine the cost of the water retention pond.