Tabac seeks clearing of debris buildup in Alae River

Councilor Marlo Tabac sought the help of government agencies to remove the ‘island-like’ obstruction along the Alae River for fear that it could worsen flooding in Barangay Bugo.

During his special report, Tabac said the buildup of soil and debris under the Alae Bridge disrupts the flow of water and poses risk of overflowing to nearby communities.

Even without the threat of an incoming storm, mere continuous rainfall will result in flooding of the adjacent residential areas, he added.

With this, Councilor Tabac recommended that the city legislature coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), City Engineering Office, and the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) to help determine the proper intervention.

Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez said that the city and DPWH are currently coordinating to implement the national program, Oplan Kontra Baha, which utilizes amphibious heavy equipment for desilting rivers and canals.

For his part, Councilor Eric Salcedo suggested involving the Mining and Geoscience Bureau since Alae River is between the boundaries of Cagayan de Oro and Tagoloan. (FDC/SP)