THE elevation of roads and construction of bigger drainage canals in Dagupan is part of a master plan prepared by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide solution to the incessant floods in the city requested by LGU Dagupan in 2021, or during the Brian Lim administration.

This was revealed by Atty. Harold Estacio, DPWH regional office legal officer, during the third public consultation conducted on Wednesday by the committees on public works and infrastructures and on transportation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Believing that former Mayor Brian Lim did not request for the project, Councilor Redford Erfe- Mejia, chairman of the SP committee on transportation, asked Estacio to identify the local official who sought the project to present the written request.

Meanwhile, Estacio said, DPHW just issued the notices to the contractors to proceed with the elevation of M.H. Del Pilar Street and Perez Boulevard and their respective drainage systems because funds for it as a national project had already been released based on allocation in the General Appropriations Act of 2023 approved by President Marcos Jr.

Estacio maintained that consultation with the public regarding the implementation of the same was conducted by his office along with the city government

Arvin Espejo, DPWH engineer, said plans were prepared in consideration of highest reach of the flood during the rainy season and state of rivers of Dagupan.

During the third public consultation, residents and business owners said while the intent of the DPWH is good, its implementation caused serious disruption in their daily activities and business.

The president of the carried Lumber Company said it will take them one year to backfill their premises based on the height of the elevation of the road and drainage system and that will compel them to suspend their operations and also lay off their workers for one year.

He presented a copy of The Sunday PUNCH that reported in its August 23-26, 2023 issue quoting retired DPWH District Rodolfo Dion that the main cause of the flooding is the narrow Pantal River as a result of extensive encroachment by business establishments.

Erfe-Mejia said the SP majority will pass a resolution asking the Senate to stop the construction because these are detrimental to community life in Dagupan.

A fourth and final public consultation was sought by Councilor Librada Macalanda inviting the city engineer, city planning and development office, public order and safety officer and the acting city administrator to hear the side of the city government but Councilor Irene Lim-Acosta said it should be done on closed doors. (Leonardo Micua)

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