BACOLOD City – The flood problem in the city has gotten worse, according to former mayor Monico Puentevella.
Puentevella said this in the wake of the flooding incident that hit several areas in Bacolod on Aug. 2.
“May bag-o na nga golf course kag may waterfalls na sa Bacolod,” the former mayor quipped.
He was referring to the city’s unfinished flood control project which left holes on Lacson Street.
Puentevella hit the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for this, adding that the project must be investigated.
He said he received information that the project had not undergone the evaluation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) led by Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas earlier said that the heavy downpour brought about by the southwest monsoon and garbage clogging the old drainages in the city caused last week’s flooding.
Rainwater at that time reached 72.8 millimeters, which is equivalent to three to four days of raining, the CDRRMO said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Greg Gasataya thanked netizens for posting photos of the flooded areas in Bacolod. He said this is a “fulfillment of civic duties.”
“However, photos can sometimes be taken out of context, especially if those who post it have intentions other than contributing to the public good,” added Gasataya.
Gasataya said the flood control project on Lacson Street was facilitated by his office and is now being implemented by the DPWH.
He clarified that the DPWH has nothing to do with the clogged drainage systems along other city streets since its jurisdiction is only over national roads, such as Lacson Street.
“Lateral streets, or those that branch out from national highways are city streets. Clogged drainage pipes, therefore, cannot be repaired by the DPWH and cannot therefore be covered by the flood control project it is implementing,” Gasataya said.
He also denied that there is another flood control project on Araneta Street./PN
Monico was been on the city helm for so many years that not much was been done to rectify the flood control system, not to mention that the city roads are unceremoniously a scourge to pedestrians and motorists alike.
Bacolodnons take it as the little girl who cried wolf when he himself doesn’t take the issue seriously, a culmination of a trapo.
Bacolod needs a new breed of leaders who walk the talk. We welcome a big change.