The Davao City Government has made a public call to residents, stressing the importance of proper waste disposal and segregation. This announcement follows the ongoing desilting and clearing operations at Shanghai Creek in Barangay Matina Aplaya on September 25, 2024. The local authorities aim to prevent clogging in the city’s canals and drainage systems, which can lead to flooding and other issues.
Importance of Proper Waste Management in Davao City
Effective waste management is essential to keeping the city’s drainage systems running smoothly. When waste is improperly discarded, it clogs the drainage systems, leading to blockages that increase the risk of flooding during heavy rains. The Davao City Government reinforced this message on social media, urging residents to be more mindful of their waste disposal habits.
In a Facebook post on September 26, 2024, the local government emphasized, “The City Government reminds everyone to observe proper disposal and segregation of waste materials to avoid clogging canals and other drainage systems in the city.”
Ongoing Desilting Efforts at Shanghai Creek
Paul Bermejo, head of the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU), shared updates during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, September 19, 2024. He reported that clearing Shanghai Creek has been a long-term operation, with focused efforts near Alpha Homes for the past month. These efforts are crucial to improving the creek’s water flow and preventing waste from blocking the drainage systems.
“We have not stopped desilting our drainage systems, but having new and reliable heavy equipment would significantly help our team,” Bermejo said.
Equipment Challenges Impacting the Cleaning Operations
While desilting efforts are ongoing, the local government has faced challenges due to the lack of specialized equipment. Bermejo noted that a submersible slurry pump has been requested to expedite the clearing process, but it has yet to be acquired. In the meantime, the city is using a jetting truck to remove mud and debris by applying pressurized water to the creeks.
Desilting Larger Creeks: A Greater Challenge
Although Shanghai Creek is relatively small, larger creeks like Mamay and Bago Aplaya pose more significant challenges for desilting and clearing. Bermejo explained that clearing these larger creeks is much more difficult without the proper equipment.
Why Proper Equipment is Crucial for Efficient Desilting
The absence of suitable equipment slows down the cleaning process, making it difficult to manage the larger creeks that are prone to more significant waste accumulation. The submersible slurry pump and other heavy equipment would help speed up desilting operations and prevent future blockages in Davao City’s drainage systems.
How Davao Residents Can Help
The City Government continues to emphasize that community participation is vital in keeping the drainage systems functioning properly. Residents are urged to segregate waste and dispose of it properly to prevent clogging the drainage systems.
Conclusion
As Davao City continues its efforts to desilt and clear its drainage systems, residents play a crucial role in ensuring the success of these operations. By practicing proper waste disposal and segregation, citizens can help prevent blockages and minimize the risk of flooding in the future. The Davao City Government remains committed to improving the city’s waste management system, but the cooperation of the public is essential for lasting success.
By integrating sustainable waste management practices, the city can work together to create a cleaner and safer environment.