TO ADDRESS persistent flooding issues, the Mandaue City Government has launched a P9.7-million drainage improvement project in Barangay Basak.
The initiative, officially titled “Drainage Improvement at Consuelo Village (Phase III), Revised,” is being undertaken by FLY3M Construction Corp.
Located along J.P. Rizal St., near the corner of Consuelo Village, the area has long suffered from flooding, with water rising to knee level even after light rains.
The situation has made roads impassable for motorists and pedestrians, affecting businesses and residents who have had to endure constant disruptions.
According to project engineer Juancho Alcantara, the existing drainage system has been insufficient in managing stormwater, leaving the community vulnerable to frequent flooding.
“As soon as it rains, water accumulates quickly, making it impossible for vehicles and people to pass,” Alcantara said in an interview on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
“Many residents will benefit from this project because this area is prone to flooding, and this new drainage system will help resolve that issue.”
The project involves the installation of a double-barrel box culvert, which will connect to a cross-drainage system leading to the Basak-Labogon Creek.
This upgrade is expected to improve the water flow significantly, reducing the risk of water buildup in the area.
As part of the construction, a portion of the southbound lane will be temporarily closed for the month of March.
The construction of the drainage was scheduled to start on March 5. To ease congestion, authorities have rerouted southbound traffic to share half of the northbound lane.
Construction will run daily from 7 a.m. to midnight in an effort to complete the project as quickly as possible.
The first phase, which includes excavation and installation of the drainage system, is expected to take about a month, with road restoration and other final works extending the total timeline to approximately three months.
While some have asked whether nighttime work could be an alternative to minimize traffic disruptions, engineers have ruled it out due to safety concerns.
“The excavation site will be too wide to be safely covered with steel plates,” Alcantara said.
“The road won’t be passable, especially for heavy vehicles and equipment. A standard steel plate is only eight feet wide, which is not enough to support passing traffic. For safety reasons, the area has to remain closed,” he added.
The new drainage system will be connected to an existing Phase II drainage project implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The current drainage sits two meters deep, and the new structure will integrate seamlessly to ensure better flood control in the area.
“With this phase completed, residents can expect a significant improvement in flood management,” Alcantara said.
The drainage project is expected to cause temporary inconvenience, particularly in terms of road closures and traffic congestion.
However, Alcantara is asking for patience from motorists and residents, emphasizing that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term disruptions.
“We understand that this will cause inconvenience, but we ask for the public’s cooperation,” he said.
“Once completed, this project will greatly benefit the community by reducing flooding in the area,” Alcantara added.
For years, residents of Consuelo Village and nearby areas have endured the challenges of flooding.
With this project, city officials hope to bring lasting relief, ensuring that roads remain clear and safe even during heavy rains, said Alcantara. (CAV)