CEBU CITY, May 13 (PNA) — A multi-sectoral agreement to address the worsening flood and drainage problems in Metro Cebu was signed on Tuesday.
Among the signatories were officials of three urban cities, the Cebu provincial government, various government agencies, private sector and civil society groups.
The signing of the joint declaration of commitment and understanding was spearheaded by the Province of Cebu and the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay.
Under the agreement, an ideal flood mitigating measures and an integrated drainage design should be made to address the social and economic maladies caused by flooding and inadequate drainage.
The signing was the offshoot of the agreement entered into by local chief executives and several sectors during the November 2014 Inter-City Drainage summit.
A multi-sectoral drainage task force would be created soon to solve the problem in Metro Cebu.
The task force will be composed of several stakeholders, including local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations and civic groups.
Based on the agreement, the task force would serve as enforcers of environmental laws, especially the three-meter easement zone law and is expected to coordinate with the local chief executives.
The task force would conduct surveys on the conditions of the rivers, drainage and other waterways, including the conditions of the inhabitants living nearby or along the tributaries.
It is also mandated to conduct educational drive on proper garbage disposal, recycling and sustainable livening throughout the affected LGUs. (PNA)