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By Ben Contreras

IN our attempt to help and find solutions to the flooding problem at the USTP/LKKS portion of the Recto Highway, we were able to gather Engr. Leowaldo Picore of the Department Public Works and Highways, Albino Lim and his engineers. Our group comprised only Ralph Abragan and me.

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Apparently, Lim does not quite agree with the planned move of DPWH and offered a better solution which is understandable since it is his family’s private property and so, the design and the problem of are very familiar to them.

Discussing all possible options, it seems like there are possible solutions that are cheaper than what is already in the drawing board of DPWH or already given a budget. These possible solutions that would be cheaper would be further discussed in our next meeting. We hope that we could also invite congressmen and local government representatives for a joint discussion.

So much DPWH money has been poured into trying to abate floodings from Bulua to downtown Cagayan de Oro but the problem still remains. We’re getting this impression that some people don’t really want cheaper solutions because it means, lesser commissions.

The work on the drainage in Kauswagan at the foot of the Maharlika Bridge was halted allegedly due to lack of steel sheet pile. A check with the local supplier proved the allegation wrong. So, what is really the reason? Nahutdan og funds ang contractor?

There must be a reason which they don’t want the people to know. But then, who would suffer the consequences? It’s the people, of course.

The local government has a great responsibility to move residents away the waterways. Structures built on our waterways should be removed, and this would require political will. It is a problem that has become political. That is why the problem grew beyond control now.

No, this is not the complete but only a contributing solution. Do our city officials have the balls to do that?

The subterranean drainage in Agora does not guarantee anything except that it is a project that requires a huge sum of money that would make some people rich.

Lim has a way of describing it with a tinge of humor. In a line, the shortest distance is a straight line. In a drainage flow, the fastest way to drain water is a straight drainage system, not “liko-liko.” This is common sense.

We are happy though that our new DPWH regional director, Zenaida T. Tan, is very accommodating in receiving us to her office to discuss things of public concern.

Decades ago, wise suggestions were ignored and the proposal to make a drainage masterplan was taken lightly. Now, we reap the bad fruit for ignoring good counsel. Of course, nothing is ever too late.

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Five Customs officials were allegedly sacked by Customs Commissioner Lapeña. Well and good. But it’s not enough. There are more inside.

Another agency has been reported to be still in its old ways, and a witness is willing to execute an affidavit.

Talking of corruption – many still believe in “weather weather lang.” When it’s judgment time, some will be caught with their pants down.

 

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