By KIMBERLIE NGABIT QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Amid the growing dismay of city residents over the on going road rehabilitation projects, the Department of Public Ways and Highways (DPWH) Baguio City District claim they were also fixing the drainage system that necessitates additional diggings.

City District Engineer Ireneo Gallato disclosed during the weekly kapihan, August 20, at the DPWH-Cordillera Conference Hall, here that there is a need to rehabilitate the present drainage system to mitigate the flooding in the city especially at the City Camp area. He said the present drainage system could no longer accommodate the volume of run off water.

He added that the repair work has already started along Magsaysay Avenue simultaneous with the road rehabilitation in the area. He said this is to enable the drainage of water coming from Quirino Hill.

Gallato also disclosed that the fix up of the drainage system is included in the rehabilitation works at Quezon Hill, followed by Ferguson road. He explained that since the present City Camp lagoon drain is not enough anymore for the volume of water flushed out in the rainy season, the natural drain from these areas will be improved towards the Balili River.

In support to the campaign of the La Trinidad local government and University of the Philippines, Gallato said that they also plan to remove illegal structures along the river. He added that they placed screens in the drainage tunnels to control the garbage.

Gallato admitted that the improper disposal of garbage in the city is among the reasons of flooding and pollution of the Balili River. He also noted that sewerage systems from households in the city are directed into DPWH tunnels.

He further said that the DPWH is supportive of the rehabilitation of Balili River and that there is a task force created to clear the river system. # nordis.net