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[av_heading heading=’Local council vs flashflood mulled ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MERIANNE GRACE EREÑETA
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ILOILO City – Councilor Joshua Alim suggested the creation of a Local Water Control System Council.
The city’s 180 barangay captains should be members of the council and come up with drainage programs and projects to solve the perennial problem on floods, he said.
“The chairman of the Local Water Control System Council will task the barangay captains to maintain their respective drainage systems. Indi lang tanan isalig sa government,” said Alim.
The Netherlands has a Water Control System Council which addresses the country’s flood problem, he said.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog as local chief executive should head the Local Water Control System Council, Alim suggested.
The city’s budget officer, city engineer and chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on engineering, construction and public works should become members of the water council, too, he added.
Alim also proposed the construction of a big water impounding facility just like in Taguig City.
“(Taguig City) constructed a five-storey building underneath Burgos Circle. Rainwater is impounded there and pumped out to the sea after the rain,” said Alim.
The councilor also pushed for the rehabilitation of all natural river tributaries and canals covered intentionally by developers and other inconsiderate business investors; and overhaul of the city’s drainage system.
These suggestions were referred to the SP committee on engineering, construction and public works.
On Sept. 27, classes were suspended here as many areas, including schools, got flooded due to heavy rains. Irate Ilonggos vented their ire on social media, calling on city government officials and agencies to address the flooding.
Some blamed the delayed drainage and road projects. Flooding was experienced in areas with ongoing construction of drainage systems and road-widening of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Flashfloods are not new to Iloilo City and these are constantly blamed on clogged drainage systems and the city’s low elevation.
In June 2008, Typhoon “Frank” triggered the worst flooding in the city in decades with floodwaters reaching 10 feet deep in some areas./PN
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