BACOLOD City – With the onset of the rainy season, flooding in low-lying areas remains one of the pressing concerns of the city and to address this, the city government is taking immediate action to mitigate the issue.
Through the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), the city will conduct dredging operations and establish proper drainage outfalls as part of its short-term solutions.
Mayor Greg Gasataya appealed to Bacolod residents to help prevent flooding by keeping drainage systems clean. He emphasized that one of the main causes of flooding is clogged drainage filled with garbage, which slows down the flow of water during heavy rains.
“Ginpatapos ko na lang ang pag-process kung paano ang procedure sa dredging. Then we will begin dredging in the Barangay Mandalagan area, sa ginagwa-an sang tubig,” the mayor said.
He also explained that the drainage project near SM City Bacolod does not have a connection to an outfall near Pope John Paul Tower.
“Between Rizal Street and Burgos Street, the drainage system does have an outfall, but this part doesn’t, which contributes to the flooding,” he added.
Following an inspection on July 3 and a discussion with the CEO, the city is expected to start working within the week on constructing an outfall — either connecting it to Maupay Creek or to the ongoing diversion channel project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The city also plans to construct a drainage line along Rizal Street, particularly in the SM City walkway area where flooding often occurs due to the absence of an inlet.
“Ang tubig sa dalan, waay na agyan, that’s why we will build an inlet going to Maupay Creek,” Mayor Gasataya said.
These flood control measures are among the city’s immediate priorities, which the mayor said are feasible to accomplish in the coming weeks as the rainy season progresses.
He added that the DPWH’s diversion channel project in the Reclamation Area is ongoing, and they are awaiting the installation of a flap gate to ensure proper water outflow into the sea.
“Kon wala sang gate, masulod ang tubig,” the mayor noted, emphasizing the importance of this infrastructure in managing stormwater during heavy rains./PN
