Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia recently revealed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the bidding process for a comprehensive drainage system master plan for the city.

The mayor called it “very good news,” noting, “The best part of this feasibility study is the integration of both the national and local drainage systems.”

Representatives from Pertconsult International, an engineering consultancy firm, recently visited with Leonardia to discuss the master plan and its corresponding feasibility study.

The study is expected to take 10 months, with its completion projected for March 2019.

DPWH-Bacolod District Engineer Abraham Villareal noted, while the study is ongoing, data gathered can be used in procuring necessary funding.

“Even if they have not finished their study, we could already use their findings to request for funds,” he stated.

Following recent flooding along Lacson Street, the DPWH chief construction section in Bacolod City assured city residents flooding along the primary thoroughfare will reduce once the drainage system currently being installed is complete, which is expected by this year.

DPWH-Bacolod Engineer Ferdinand Magada, however, admitted installation of the flood control system has been affected by the current rainy weather.

Villareal blamed the said flooding on the incomplete installation of large drainage pipes in the affected areas./WDJ