DPWH HAS A LOT TO EXPLAIN ABOUT 'MARIO' FLOODS!

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Rogelio Singson has a lot of explaining to do on the flashfloods from Tytphoon Mario.

These are from two stories in inquirer.net yesterday”

The flash floods that SHUT DOWN Metropolitan Manila and nearby provinces WILL KEEP RECURRING until the DPWH can finish clearing the waterways, upgrading the pumping stations and unclogging the roadside drains.

The MMDA said 20 to 25 percent of the metropolis was submerged in floodwaters and 15 percent of roads were rendered impassable. All these despite more than 60 supposedly completed flood control projects by the DPWH, 56, of which are in Metro Manila.

So for Singson: HOW COME despite more than 56 supposedly completed projects, Metro Manila was still SHUT DOWN by floods from ‘Mario?’ Not just inundated but SHUT DOWN?        

While the floods may have receded faster than usual, the fact remains that these were HIGH ENOUGH, rooftop level in some areas, to paralyze the metropolis.

Worst, some areas which have been considered as critical FOR AGES when it comes to floods still suffered impassable levels of water, like Araneta Ave. in Quezon City, Espana in Blvd. in Manila and some areas in Malabon City.

These indicate three possible scenarios:

The supposed 56 projects were either of POOR QUALITY or LOUSY DESIGN that they CAN’T KEEP floodwaters to passable heights, which DO NOT NECESSITATE FORCED EVACUATION.

The supposed projects were NOT BUILT, FIRST, on known critical areas like Espana and Araneta Ave.

A combination of both.

So Singson had better detail the SPECIFICS AND PURPOSES of these supposed 56 projects, and JUSTIFY their INABIULITY to keep floodwaters to minimum levels.

He must show documentary proof that the supposed 56 projects were built TOTALLY ACCORDING TO PLAN AND BUDGET, with ALL PROGRAMMED MONIES ACCOUNTED FOR.

Singson must also immediately present a COMPLETE LIST AND PHOTOS of the supposed 56 projects for verification by the public.

He said among the 56 projects are: Upper Marikina River improvement program, four projects under the Mangahan Floodway Program, two projects under the Mangahan Floodway Dredging Program; the Marikina River dredging project and the Manila Bay seawall strengthening.

For the Marikina River alone, Singson cited two projects. But as well read and heard in media, FORCED EVACUATION had to be implemented when its water level lose to 20 centimeters.

On Singson’s warning that flashfloods will be back until his department finishes clearing the waterways, upgrading the pumping stations and unclogging the roadside drains:

He DID NOT EXPLAIN what’s taking them so long. He did not give even a tentative timeframe to finish the jobs.

Bottom line: Instead of ENLIGHTENING US, Singson SCARED US ! Andwe definitely DIDN’T DESERVE IT. 30