14 October 2009

QC sets P500 M for repairs

Quezon City authorities have set aside P500 million for the repair and rehabilitation of infrastructures destroyed or damaged by tropical storm ''Ondoy.''

Quezon City Engineering Department (QCED) chief Joselito Cabungcal, in his damage assessment report, said work will primarily cover the repair of rip-raps and retaining walls near esteros, creeks and other waterways.

Following an inspection tour of the city with other city officials, Cabungcal said most of flood-prevention structures collapsed or incurred huge cracks as the cascading floodwater slammed on them at the height of the storm.

He noted that most of the heavily affected areas are barangays Bagong Silangan, Payatas, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth and Holy Spirit, all in the city's second district.

To ease flooding during heavy rains, Cabungcal said part of the budget will also be used to repair the dilapidated roads and drainage systems, saying that engineering plans are now being prepared in his office.

''Preparation of the scope of work needed to implement the program is now in full swing,'' Cabungcal said.

Tadeo Palma, secretary to the Quezon City mayor, said the city's engineering department and other concerned offices were instructed to conduct further surveys to accurately determine the damage caused by the flood on local health centers, public schools and other facilities of the city government.



By Chito A. Chavez
Manila Bulletin
October 11, 2009