[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’WILL DPWH MEGA DRAINAGE WORK? Cutting trees a lazy solution to drainage project– Alim’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
ILOILO City – Can the city’s drainage system be improved without sacrificing the trees on General Luna Street? The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should think out of the box, according to Councilor Joshua Alim.
But there’s a more crucial question, said Alim: Can DPWH’s P100-million drainage project solve once and for all the constant downtown flooding?
Citing previous DPWH projects, Alim said, “Sige lang kutkot, wala man direction. Resulta: baha gyapon. Their drainage plan, I’m telling you, will not solve the flooding.”
According to the councilor, he suggested a “Taguig City approach” to the problem “but the DPWH and City Engineer don’t even care.”
In Taguig City, Metro Manila there’s a five-story structure underneath Burgos Circle at Global City where floodwater is impounded. After the rains, this is pumped out to creeks that flow into Manila Bay.
“Gasto lang na drainage project nila, wala na system. It’s a drainage but there is no system. Utdon pa nila mga trees,” said Alim.
Two years ago, Alim successfully rallied colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to oppose the uprooting of General Luna Street’s trees for DPWH’s road widening project. Can he do it again?
The stakes are high. DPWH’s P100-million drainage project aims to solve once and for all the constant downtown flooding.
“My stand remains the same – the trees should be preserved,” said Alim.
Work on the drainage project begins today but according City Administrator Hernando Galvez, the trees won’t be touched for now.
DPWH has so far identified eight trees that may likely be affected, Galvez told Panay News yesterday.
Alim challenged DPWH engineers to use modern technology and techniques in drainage system construction.
“They are engineers. They know how to build roads or drainage systems perfectly and still avoid cutting down the trees,” he said.
Alim cited Singapore as example. “They have good roads and drainage systems yet trees are still there standing beautifully and proudly,” he said.
According to Galvez, DPWH had been asked if it was possible to go on with the drainage project without touching the trees, and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was waiting for its response.
“As much as possible, we want the trees to remain where they are. They’re good for our environment. But if they can hamper the project, they have to go,” said Galvez.
Alim said modern technology and nature can co-exist.
“The problem with DPWH people is that they want the easy way out, gapahapos lang,” said Alim.
In 2014, Alim succeeded in getting the support of fellow city councilors in passing a resolution expressing their collective sentiment against the uprooting of General Luna Street trees for the road’s widening.
“We need trees to shield people from the ill-effects of carbon emissions. Damu-damo na salakyan sa ciudad ta. Trees can help cushion the adverse impacts of climate change,” said Alim.
He urged “DPWH people” to “sometimes use their coconut shell.”
Councilor Reyland Hervias agreed with Alim. He said DPWH should explore alternative methods to go about with the drainage project.
“Pero kon kinahanglanon gid (cut the trees), wala kita may mahimo dira. Ginatan-aw naton kon ano makabulig sa aton sa syudad,” said Hervias.
DPWH is seeking the city council’s endorsement for the cutting of the trees. The endorsement is need so it can secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Seguro mangayo kami sang design nila para makita namon ang resulta kon likawon ang kahoy,” Hervias said.
A crooked drainage system may hamper the flow of water, he explained.
Councilor Jay Treñas, on the other hand, said he would personally appeal to DPWH to reconsider cutting the trees and find alternative ways for the drainage project to push through./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
