Cebu and Mandaue Forge Ahead with Critical Flood Mitigation Partnership
The City Governments of Cebu and Mandaue have officially agreed to implement a significant flood control project, a move set to drastically reduce the risk of severe flooding in vulnerable, low-lying communities. This collaboration involves the construction of a large canal or culvert, specifically engineered to efficiently channel water runoff from upland barangays directly into the Butuanon and Mahiga Rivers.
Joint Commitment to a Flood-Resilient Future
Mayor Nestor Archival of Cebu City confirmed that this ongoing initiative is a direct result of a joint commitment formalized by the two Local Government Units (LGUs) in September. He emphasized that the project is a cornerstone of their shared dedication to strengthening flood mitigation measures across their interconnected waterways. Although construction experienced a temporary halt due to Typhoon Tino, work has since recommenced, underscoring the cities' persistent efforts to protect their residents.
Archival detailed the water's pathway, explaining, "Water from Maria Luisa, Doña Rita, and San Carlos flows down to the Nasepic area, then continues towards Santo Niño and Rolling Hills in Mandaue." To address this, Mandaue City is constructing a substantial culvert from Santo Niño leading to the river, ensuring that water from its jurisdiction flows directly and efficiently into the river system.
Comprehensive Strategy: From Infrastructure to Early Warnings
This development is hailed as a major step in the Cebu-Mandaue flood mitigation partnership, which focuses on enhancing overall water flow and reducing flooding through a connected river system approach. In a significant show of inter-LGU cooperation, the City of Mandaue has also pledged to install an early warning system for communities in Cebu City located near flood-prone zones.
Furthermore, Mayor Archival stated that the Cebu City Government is coordinating closely with Mandaue to sustain river clean-up drives. This parallel effort aims to tackle the persistent problems of accumulated waste and silt, particularly in densely populated communities situated along the riverbanks, which can exacerbate flooding during heavy rains.
