DPWH deploys excavator to dredge Mahiga Creek

Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assist settlers haul their belongings as they start dredging at the Mahiga creek on Logarta St., Mabolo, Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

A brand-new amphibious excavator has been deployed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) 7 to dredge a portion of the Mahiga Creek.

The deployment came a few days after Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar visited Cebu and met with stakeholders to address the flooding problem in Metro Cebu.

The July 1 downpour caused traffic congestion and stranded commuters.

“As an immediate response to our discussions on flooding, we were able to secure an amphibious excavator. We mobilized it yesterday (Thursday) late in the afternoon in Mahiga Creek wherein on one side there’s a wide waterway but on the other side, it’s full of silt and garbage,” DPWH-7 regional director Ador Canlas told Cebu Daily News.

As of yesterday, the excavator was still dredging and desilting a portion near the mouth of Mahiga Creek close to M. Logarta Ave., at the boundary of Mandaue City and Cebu City.

The amphibious excavator can perform dredging while afloat on shallow water.

It takes out mud and silt from the waterway so this can be dried and used as filling materials.

Canlas said he’s unaware how much the excavator cost since it was provided to the regional office by the DPWH’s Manila office.

He said they will continue to request for additional equipment from their central office.

“We chose the portion of Mahiga Creek since it’s easier for our equipment to pass through. The problem with other waterways is that it’s difficult to access,” Canlas said.

Canlas said it’s difficult for their personnel to access these areas using the equipment due to encroachment.

The DPWH also needs the support of local government units which can clear waterways of obstructions such as illegally built structures and informal settlers in order to allow equipment like the amphibious excavator to pass through and do its work, Canlas added.

Canlas called on the public to do their part by making sure that they properly dispose of their garbage so it won’t end up clogging drainage lines and waterways.

“We’re trying to say that it can be done. If the LGU helps in cleaning up garbage and informal settlers, we can come in. Let’s act now. We don’t know when the rains will come,” Canlas said.

Canlas said he hopes that LGUs also follow through by making sure that garbage is not dumped in them again.

He said there are areas that need immediate dredging works including the creek in A.S. Fortuna St., Subangdaku River, Kinalumsan River and Estero Parian, among others.