Study to update Metro Cebu’s drainage plan to kick off soon

After a slight delay, consultants will soon be in Cebu to conduct a study to update a much-needed drainage master plan for Metro Cebu.

Engr. Nonato Paylado of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 said the contract documents for the P48.2-million project are already in the office of Undersecretary Ma. Catalina Cabral.

“As of yesterday (Tuesday), the contract documents of this project are already in the office of Undersecretary Cabral for signature. This will be forwarded to Secretary (Rogelio Singson) for approval,” he said during the full board meeting of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) yesterday.

The board, headed by Gov. Hilario Davide III, is a consortium of private sector and government stakeholders envisioning well-planned urban growth in Mega Cebu up to 2050.

A feasibility study for an integrated flood and drainage system master plan for Metro Cebu is a top priority of the body.

The feasibility study is one of 10 flagship projects MCDCB identified in the Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu, which the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) completed last May.

Other priority projects are construction of the Mactan North Dual-Mode Bridge and Mananga II Dam to be implemented between 2015 and 2017.
Paylado said the whole process was supposed to be completed in July but because of a hitch in minor documentary requirements, it had to be moved to September.

“The whole process is estimated to be finally signed by the Secretary within the month. After the signing, the winning bidder will immediately be mobilized to Cebu for the actual implementation,” he said.

Notice
After Secretary Singson signs the contract documents, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be issued to Woodfields Consultancy Inc., the firm that will undertake the study.

Once here, Paylado said the consultants will call for a series of meetings with the MCDCB and all stakeholders concerned.

In an earlier interview, the official said there will be proper coordination undertaken by DPWH and all the other parties.

The study is needed before clear decisions are made as to where to invest in civil works for flood control measures, which a few years ago was estimated to require over P600 million for Cebu City alone.