Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and NLEX Corporation President Luis Reñon on Thursday, August 27, inspected the drainage system along EDSA-Balintawak in Quezon City following severe flooding in the area last week that caused heavy traffic.
Dizon personally inspected several drainage structures, including an upstream drainage system connected to G. Araneta Creek, as part of efforts to address recurring flooding along the busy thoroughfare.
The inspection came after the creek overflowed last week, causing deep flooding along EDSA-Balintawak and disrupting traffic in the area.
Dizon said a key solution to the flooding problem is the construction of a large detention or retarding basin beneath the cloverleaf section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), which would temporarily store excess rainwater.
He said the drainage inlets along the road would also be widened to improve the flow of floodwater, while dredging of the heavily silted Balong Bato Creek is expected to begin soon.
“We are happy to announce that NLEX Corporation will help us build it. Ang importante dito is kung makuha natin ‘yung right of way with the help of Quezon City, makakaya natin magawa,” Dizon said.
The project will also be complemented by the expansion of the pumping station, which is targeted for completion next year.
Dizon called on the Quezon City government to assist in securing the needed right of way so the project can be implemented and completed as soon as possible.
The proposed detention basin would temporarily hold rainwater during heavy downpours to reduce flooding in the area. The stored water could also potentially be used for irrigation and water supply during the dry season.
Reports from RH Val Gonzales
