Mandaue drainage problem being resolved — Mayor Cortes

The City of Mandaue clarified yesterday that the drainage system problem in its 27 barangays are being resolved phase by phase since 2020.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said they had come up with a comprehensive drainage system masterplan three years ago with a budget of P3 billion.

"We have to upgrade our drainage system, especially the culverts which were installed in the 1980's or during the Metro Cebu Development Projects," the mayor cited.

At least P1.5 billion has been used for drainage system improvements and repairs.

" Please, let us not expect that the flooding will be totally resolved with the Comprehensive Drainage System Masterplan. This is by phase and it will take years," Cortes clarified.

City Administrator Lawyer James Jamaal Calipayan raised the road right of way concerns especially on private properties.

He noted at least four establishments are set for expropriation within A.S. Fortuna St., Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City.

" Among the reasons that hinders the project's implementation is the issue of the right of way," he said.

But Mayor Cortes said they have started coordinating with business owners who would be directly affected by the city's ongoing drainage expansion and other flood mitigation projects.

"Of course, we do not want to compromise their livelihood because once they let the city government enter their property for quite sometime," the mayor added.

Expropriation is the act of the government claiming privately owned property for use in projects that are beneficial to the general public, such as highways, railroads,airports and other infrastructure projects.

For this year, P500 million had been allotted for several flood mitigation projects.

Mandaue City Planning and Development Office head Architect Marlo Ocleasa identified some flood control projects.