CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The City Council here is crafting an ordinance that aims to enjoin local government units in Pampanga to solve flooding problems.
Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin stressed the strong stand of the City Council in addressing the flooding problem of the city.
Lazatin said that the “inter-local connectivity” ordinance aims to call officials of the neighboring towns of San Fernando, particularly Mexico, Bacolor, and Sto. Tomas, to unite and put together their resources in finding the solution against flooding.
“We are still in the process. It is not yet finalized but the council is committed kasi ito ‘yung nakikita namin na magandang paraan masolusyonan ‘yung baha sa (because this is what we see as a good solution to address flooding problems in) San Fernando,” he said.
Lazatin stressed that the unity of local government units is essential to clear all the waterways and ensure the free flow of rainwater from Angeles City to the Manila Bay.
He stressed that without a proper ordinance and consent from concerned local officials, the City Government cannot impose measures outside their jurisdiction.
Lazatin cited the ongoing team-up between the City of San Fernando and Sto. Tomas town, including other concerned national agencies and the private sector to clear the portion of Third River which became beneficial to the two local governments.
He stressed that its results were felt during the onslaught of Typhoon Gorio after all thoroughfares in the city weren’t flooded despite series of heavy rains.
Once passed, Lazatin said a flood summit must first be conducted to identify the specific problems of each municipality and possible solutions before imposing measures.
