FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM, IPAPASA SA LGUS; PULITIKO ETSAPUWERA – GATCHALIAN

Ulat ni Ernie Reyes para sa RoadNews

Inihayag ni Senador Sherwin Gatchalian na dapat pangasiwaan ng local government units (LGUs) ang pagpaplano at implementasyon ng flood control sa malakas na koordinasyon sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Sa Kapihan sa Senado forum nitong Lunes, isinusulong ni, Gatchalian na ipagbawal ang pulitiko sa  flood control planning dahil mas pamilyar ang local officials sa espisipikong pangangailangan at problema ng komunidad kaysa sa national engineers.

“LGUs, even congressmen, know the problems in their localities better. These local government officials can go to their district engineer and collaborate, that’s where they should discuss the issues. That’s the right process,” ayon kay Gatchalian.

Idinagdag pa ni Gatchalian na sumasakop ang flood control projects ng mas maraming lungsod at munisipalidad na pinangangasiwaan ng ilang ahensiya tulad ng Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), at nagpahayagdin ng suporta sa panawagan ng Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) para sa unified plan na sangkot ang lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan.

“It’s important that all stakeholders are in communication. In the case of Metro Manila – MMDA, DPWH, and LGUs – they all need to coordinate. Barangays, actually, should also be included. Over the years, they’re the ones who’ve seen the encroachments, the informal settlers, and other obstructions,” aniya.