Davao City – The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) has reported that uncollected and improperly dumped garbage that clogged the drainage system and canals, siltation and structures built above waterways have contributed to severe flooding in the city last April 10.
“Ang atong assessment, with reports from CDRRMO which was provided to us, napuno og mga basura ang atoang mga kanal. Siguro during that time wala pa makolekta ang ubang basura niawas na sa garbage bin, nikalit man to og ulan sa gabii. So nanglutaw, didto ni-clog sa atong mga drainage,” he said.
Felizarta also pointed to more water flowing from newly-constructed buildings.
“Because of development, daghan na kayo ta’g mga building karon during the time mag-ulan ang mga building mag-produce pud og mga tubig. Ang iba naka-clog na sa atong mga kanal, naay mga driveways na kailangan na nato i-check. That’s why kung magkuha sila og building permit, ginapakuha gyud nato sila og drainage clearance sa City Engineer’s Office,” he said.
Based on their recent survey and assessment the CEO has identified 13 flooded areas in the city: Km 5 Tulip Drive in Brgy Matina Crossing, Brgy Hall in Matina Aplaya, Susana Homes in Brgy. Baliok, Bacanaya Village in Brgy Catalunan Pequeño, Countryside Village in Brgy La Vista Monte, Gallera de Oro in Brgy Bago Aplaya, Goldland Subdivision in Brgy Bago Gallera, Spring Valley Subdivision in Buhangin, Datu Loho in Maa, Circumferential road in Marfori, in JP Laurel, and Quirino.
Felizarta said the CEO team will be checking the outfalls (drainage) whether it’s already silted, including the newly constructed drainage such as in Matina Crossing.
He added that the city government of Davao funded ₱ 35 million for the rehabilitation of the drainage along the Civil Service Commission (CSC) road and ₱ 40 million for the rehabilitation of the Kabacan creek in Ecoland.
Felizarta said another reason for the flooding would be the illegal settlers on top of the drainage systems.
“Ang mga drainage gipang-patungan na siya og mga balay ug mga extension sa balay. So, ginahangyo nato ang atong mga igsoon na mag-voluntary demolition na sila. Kay naa nay legal opinion ang City Legal Office nga panghawaon gyud na sila kay nakatabon na sila sa atong mga drainage,” Felizarta said.
He said these are structures are built on public property.
Felizarta also cited that some facing are drainage systems are located under private properties. He said that private property owners should also give way to existing creeks. According to the law, they should not change the flow of water or add a burden to creeks.
Felizarta said the city government and DPWH are also addressing flooding issues. There are ongoing projects funded by the city government and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and pumping stations that operate to help ease the flooding.
DPWH has seven (7) pumping stations in Davao City. These are located in Jerome creek, Mamay creek, Agdao creek, Marginal St. to Magsaysay outfall, Ponce St., Roxas ext. outfall, Mabini ext. outfall. There are also two (2) existing pumping stations in Laverna, wherein they recently proposed to add another one. Regular inspection and cleaning of pumping stations are done by the Ancillary Service Unit (ASU) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
(City Information Office | Michael Manguhig, RPN DXKT Davao OIC)