By Betheena Unite

Perennial flooding in Cagayan de Oro City is expected to be reduced as two road drainage improvements in two villages there have started, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

The two road drainage improvement projects are being implemented in Barangay Camaman-an and Barangay Lapasan.

Regional Director Zenaida Tan said a 1.23-kilometer new diversion drainage line is being constructed in Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City under a P91-million drainage line project.

It includes the provision of reinforced concrete box culvert covering the stretch from Bitan-ag Creek upstream to Kolambog Creek outfall.

Channel improvement works are also underway on Kolambog Creek from Barangay Camaman-an to Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road and Macajalar Bay outfall in Barangay Lapasan.

The channel improvement project involves the construction of an open canal, a 16-meter flat slab bridge, and an 894-meter reinforced concrete box culvert. A total of P86.9 million will be spent on this project, Tan said.

Tan furthered that “the department is now expediting implementation of the two projects after revision of plan and project alignment following the suggestions raised by consultations with the local barangay units.”

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, on the other hand, said that they are targeting to complete these projects within the year “to reduce, if not totally prevent, flash flooding and ensure the safety of residents and motorists in Cagayan de Oro City.”