Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said they are conducting a massive declogging of city drainages and waterways to mitigate flooding this rainy season.
In a press conference, Treñas said it was difficult to determine the congested drainage during the long dry season but now, they already have the idea of areas needing the cleanup.
The declogging team started cleaning the drainages in Barangays General Hughes, Mabini St., Iznart, and JM Basa St. in City Proper; Navais and Tabucan in Mandurriao; and Iloilo Terminal Market from June 19 to 23.
The effort will improve water flow and increase the holding capacity of drainage systems, especially during heavy downpours.
Treñas also reminded the public that drainage is only for water and throwing garbage like plastic is prohibited.
In addition to declogging, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office coordinates with barangays prone to flooding for the necessary preparations.
Treñas said he would also sit down with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the City Engineer’s Office, and the barangays to align the construction of their drainage projects.
Meanwhile, the city government assumed responsibility for rehabilitating two DPWH pumping stations –the one in the Jalandoni area is up for completion while the station in Delgado remains inefficient.
Before the city government took over, the stations were attached to generators and most of the time, lacked fuel.PNA
