Cebu towns’ flood control projects questioned

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has implemented 87 flood control projects totaling P7.3 billion in Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and the municipalities of Consolacion and Cordova since 2022.

According to DPWH Sixth District Engineer Gumer Castillo, the projects target critical waterways to upgrade drainage systems and address recurring flooding.

Mandaue City received 51 projects, costing P3.8 billion, aimed at improving water flow in flood-prone areas like the Butuanon River and Mahiga Creek. Despite these efforts, parts of A.S. Fortuna Avenue in Barangays Banilad and Tipolo were recently submerged in knee-deep floods.

Consolacion and Cordova had 37 projects worth P3.2 billion. Lapu-Lapu City had nine projects costing P306 million, yet flooding remains an issue in areas such as the Mactan Economic Zone 2 in Barangay Basak and the public market in Poblacion.

Castillo insisted that his district’s projects are “properly monitored and accounted for” and that the drainage improvements have “made a measurable impact.”

He added that the work has boosted the capacity of water systems to handle heavy rainfall and surface runoff.

Some projects were suspended due to pending environmental clearances and permits. Castillo clarified that QM Builders, a Dumanjug-based firm recently identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a top contractor linked to failed projects, has no flood control projects in his district.