THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has finally taken cognizance of the problem of flooding in Dagupan caused by an open culvert where floodwater from adjacent Calasiao passes through during the rainy season that directly affects Barangays Lasip Chico and Malued in Dagupan.

This was gleaned in a memorandum dated December 28, 2016 of Engr. Romeo S. Momo, DPWH Undersecretary for regional operations in Luzon, copy furnished the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for its information.

In his memorandum, Momo directed DPWH Regional Director Danilo Dequito to respond to the request among others of the Dagupan SP as regards the construction of dikes and canals and the closure of an open culvert along the De Venecia Highway.

The culvert built sometime in 2013 by DPWH’s Fourth Engineering District was tagged as the culprit behind the perennial flooding of Barangays Lasip Chico, Malued, Lucao and Tapuac in Dagupan City during the rainy season.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, who was still vice mayor when the culvert was built, sought the closure of the culvert that diverts floodwater from Calasiao to the southern part of Dagupan City instead of flowing directly to the Banaoang River.

She said DPWH never consulted the city government of Dagupan nor its people when the culvert was built across the De Venecia Highway since they are the ones directly affected by the project.

Had there been consultation, the people of Dagupan would have registered their vigorous opposition, the mayor said.

Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia also asked DPWH to prioritize the closure of the culvert and the construction of  protective dikes in Barangay Malued as similar dikes had already been constructed in Lasip Chico through the initiative of her mother, former Rep. Gina de Venecia. (Leonardo Micua)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments