Davao City’s Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) continues to clean the city’s drainage system to prevent flooding, especially during the rainy season.
Last month, a total of 41 drainage areas around the city have been cleaned by the ASU. The areas included the Bangkerohan Public Market, Catalunan Grande and Matina Crossing.
The ASU has assigned three shifting teams from Monday through Saturday.
ASU Head Paul Bermejo said a ten-person team from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) was dispatched to Bunawan, Davao City, on Tuesday night to clean the gutter and inlet in front of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Equipment Services.
He said they are also cleaning national roadways in accordance with Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s directive.
“Although National Highway na siya pero mura’g wa ma’y atiman. Ang bilin sa atoa ni Mayor Baste nga kung dili matirahan sa national government agency, tirahan na lang pod nato sa local. So, bisan pa iyaha na siya sa DPWH nga jurisdiction unta, ginaapil na lang pod nato sa atoang trabaho (Although it’s on a national highway, it is not properly maintained. According to Mayor Baste, we will take action if the national government agency will not. So, even though it falls under the DPWH’s jurisdiction, we still include them in our work),” he said.
He said the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the ASU always try to keep drainage systems clear and unobstructed to avoid flooding.
He said they prioritize areas that are frequently flooded.
“Kung taas-taas na gani ang tubig, mga lampas na sa tuhod, hulaton na lang gyud namo na mu-subside labina’g taga-hawak na kay dili na namo makita ang inlet (We have to wait for the water to subside if it is too high and knee-deep, especially from the waist up because the inlet is no longer visible),” he said.
Bermejo also urged Dabawenyos to dispose their trash responsibly to prevent blocking drainage systems.
He also encouraged anyone with concerns— particularly regarding the city’s drainage system —to relay these to the Davao City Reports via email at davaocityreports@davaocity.gov.ph or by calling 0917-131-2333 and 0919-072-2222. CIO
