Binay to DPWH: Safety first

Flood on Buendia Avenue, Makati, taken on Aug. 19, 2013. INQUIRER.net PHOTO BY MATIKAS SANTOS

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to stop flooding in project sites and ensure the safety of residents living nearby.

“We urge the DPWH to ensure that contractors of their projects in Makati are taking appropriate measures to prevent flooding in excavation sites and surrounding areas when it rains,” Binay said on Saturday.

“They should conduct regular dewatering of excavation sites and remove silt and residual construction materials that can cause flooding in the area,” she added.

Binay said DPWH contractors should also put up proper barricades and safety signs around project sites for the protection of the public.

The DPWH is overseeing the construction of a main drainage on Chino Roces Avenue toward the Pasig River, cutting across the barangays of Tejeros, Olympia and Sta. Cruz.

Binay also asked barangay officials to monitor the DPWH’s compliance with safety standards in its projects such as the drainage improvement and rehabilitation works on A. Arnaiz Avenue in San Lorenzo; Ponte and Montojo Streets in Singkamas; Kakarong, Yague and Metropolitan Avenue in Sta. Cruz; and P. Medina Street in Pio del Pilar. –Erika Sauler