Cebu revives stalled master plan to combat floods and water shortages
The Cebu Provincial Government is reviving the Mega Cebu Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan, first adopted in 2015, to tackle worsening flooding and looming water scarcity. Governor Pamela Baricuatro is leading the effort to create an integrated water management system across Metro Cebu.
The master plan, which includes cluster development and urban limits for land use, has been in place since 2018. However, enforcement has been lagging, contributing to the current water management issues. Governor Baricuatro aims to restore inter-local cooperation and shared responsibility in water management, a key aspect of the original plan.
Governor Hilario Davide III, also serving as the chairperson of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas, is driving the revitalization of the long-dormant Mega Cebu master plan. The initiative will be presented to the Regional Development Council's Infrastructure Committee for prioritization. Without the board's coordination, flood control projects have been primarily handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways, with some projects linked to corruption. The Mega Cebu Development and Coordination Board has not been convened since January 2020, halting integrated flood control and water management efforts.
The revival of the Mega Cebu master plan is expected to address the worsening flooding and looming water scarcity issues in Metro Cebu. By restoring inter-local cooperation and shared responsibility, the plan aims to create an integrated water management system, improving the lives of residents and boosting the region's sustainability.
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