10-YEAR PLAN

THE Flood Mitigation Commission (FMC) of Dagupan City finally submitted its report to Mayor Brian Lim last Wednesday, November 27.

In its 142-page report, the commission identified the main problems of flooding in the city – most of which are man-made, along with proposed work and measures needed to be undertaken.

Among the problems and issues listed are: absence of several engineering plans, including a topographic map to determine elevation of streets and flow of rain water, a master plan to understand the direction of sewage water and control tide waters, inventory of the city’s sewer system, and an invert elevation plan for city road constructions.

The report also cited the improper disposal of garbage wastes that clog the city’s sewage system during high tide. It also included the conversion of fishponds and other catch basins into residential and commercial areas.

The city’s rivers, according to said report, have become shallow due to unconsumed fish feeds, bamboo poles and nets submerged in the river, and muck deposits in the river bed from operations of fish pens.

Seven sections of proposal measures have been included in the report:

1) Creation of a topographic survey of the city. 2) Construction of river and flood dikes along sides of the rivers – cementing gaps and sealing holes along them in order to prevent backflow come high tide. 3) Construction of adjustable flood gates that connect the rivers to the city sewer. 4). Rehabilitation of creeks in the city. 5) Removal of shanties and properties built therein; 6) Installation of pumping stations along the Rizal-Galvan-Zamora Creek, behind Star Plaza Hotel, in Poblacion Oeste, near the Eternal Gardens, and at Arellano Creek, and 7) Massive dredging of the rivers’ heavily silted areas to increase its capacity, maximizing the depth and flow of water.

Mayor Lim, in an interview, said the recommended solutions will take time to implement. “This is a 10-year plan to resolve the flooding problem here”, said Lim, citing the lack of financial resources.

He said the mitigation plan will require assistance from the national government.

Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia recently committed to align his projects in Dagupan City to flood mitigation citing the city’s central business district, as a priority area.

The commission’s report will be presented to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for endorsement through an ordinance.

The FMC is composed of Engr. Joseph Lo, vice chairman, and members Engr. Liberato Aficial, Engr. Arnold Palmero, Architect Maximo Tan, Engr. Nancy Nazareno, Engr. James Louelle Fernandez, Mr. Jose Jesus Torio, Atty. Terence Marata, Atty. Michael Datario, Engr. Amelito Abarabar, Engr. Robert Matias, and Mr. Romualdo Boopsie Siapno. (Ahikam Pasion)

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