THE P609-million flood control system in Mandaluyong was finally completed after Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar threatened the private contractor he would force him swim in the flood waters if he fails to meet the completion deadline.
“True to our promise, the Mandaluyong Main Drainage Project [Maysilo] was completed before Sept. 30 deadline,” Villar said in a statement.
“We gave an ultimatum to the contractor, finish this on Sept. 30 or swim in Pasig River. Glad to report, the project is now completed. No one is swimming yet,” Villar said.
“The Duterte administration has always emphasized efficiency and quality. The construction of Maysilo is expected to protect 182 hectares, which is composed of 10 barangays and four major roads, namely Boni Avenue (East), Boni Avenue (West), San Francisco Street and Martinez Road,” he added.
Villar said that the Department has implemented various initiatives to fast-track the implementation of projects and these include the 24/7 round-the-clock work scheme, the 24/7 Secretary’s hotline, and the unannounced spot check of projects.
“The completion of the P609.12-million Mandaluyong Main Drainage Project is expected to decrease inundation depth from chest deep to just about six inches of flooding, if any. It is also expected to decrease duration of flooding to only about 30 minutes,” he said.
The final segment of the Project involved the construction of a 652 Linear Meter Double Barrel Box Culvert (along San Francisco St.) and the installation of four units of pump. Each pump has a discharge capacity of 1.5 cubic meters per second.
The completed drainage system is designed to meet the present and anticipated future stormwater runoff to mitigate the occurrence of flash flooding at Maysilo area and its immediate vicinity.