The Department of Public Works and Highways is now in talks with the Manila City government and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to devise a permanent solution to the potholes in Lagusnilad Underpass.

In an interview with Daily Tribune's morning program, Gising Na!, Engr. Reynaldo Rosario, DPWH National Capital Region Maintenance chief, said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna asked the agency for permanent solutions, since Lagusnilad also has a reservoir that damages the road asphalt once the water overflows.

"Lagusnilad is a water reservoir. We have reserves under it. That's why when it gets full, there is an overflowing of run off. So, that's what happens when the cars pass and our asphalt is not very strong when it comes to floods, because asphalt's enemy is actually water. It breaks down," Rosario said.

He said they were instructed to work with the Manila LGU and MMDA to address the recurring problem.

He explained they will require the partial closure of the road for repairs.

"Our solution now is that when there is a pothole, we pave it with asphalt, because if you concrete it, of course, you will close part of that particular roadway to traffic. We will see the traffic it will cause and the inconvenience to the traveling public. So, once and for all, we will identify a permanent solution jointly with other agencies concerned, particularly with the LGU of Manila. You can hope that this recurring problem will be solved by us. It will be over the years," Rosario said.

He said they have ongoing road projects, particularly along EDSA and C5.

Last month, DPWH-NCR regional director Nomer Abel Canlas said the DPWH spent P6,000 per square meter on road repairs, which includes the asphalt, aggregates, materials and also labor costs.

Canlas said there are 12,000 square meters of potholes in Metro Manila that need repair this year, with an estimate cost of P72 million.

He added that they usually conduct road repairs during off-hours, especially midnight until dawn during weekdays or during weekends to avoid being an inconvenience for the riding public, in coordination with local government units.