The city’s Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) is stepping up its clean-up operations of the drainage system in Davao City after heavy flooding hit the city on Wednesday night.
ASU head Paul Bermejo told media during the I-Speak media forum on Thursday that the unit is increasing manpower in their clean-up operations by deploying two teams to clean every day and night in flood-prone areas in the Poblacion District and other areas.
The clean-up includes clearing any obstructions in the storm drains of the city. Drainage clean-ups are also regularly conducted in flood-prone areas that include Jade Valley and La Verna in Buhangin, where severe flooding is always expected.
The flooding had caused heavy traffic in the city’s main streets and roads including J.P. Laurel Avenue near Davao Light and Power Co., F. Torres corner Jacinto extension, and on the Buhangin flyover.
“Ang priority nato, before pa ang ato na ulan, kay kadtong previous na mga frequently flooded areas, such as kining naa diri sa GSIS. So, gitirahan nato ang San Antonio Village kay dili ma-drain ang tubig diha gikan sa GSIS so mubaha diha sa McArthur Highway,” Bermejo said.
ASU is also conducting road clearing operations with teams operating 24/7 to remove any obstructions in city roads to prevent flooding and traffic congestion.
ASU is currently formulating ways to maximize the efficiency of the city’s road clearing schematics by establishing a “Barangay Ancillary Services Team” in the densely populated areas in the city to make communities in the barangays have the means to maintain the cleanliness of their roads and waterways.
The ASU is a division under City Mayor’s Office (CMO), which is responsible in addressing the problems and concerns arising from the illegal occupants, structures and vendors from sidewalks in order to ensure its use for the pedestrian as well as in maintaining the cleanliness of the drainage networks of the city.
