May ganun na solution na linabas for Sampaloc area... yung UST football ground ang catch basin. As usual, hangang press release lang, wala ng update sa project.



DPWH eyes flood tank under UST football field
By Evelyn Macairan The Philippine Star Updated October 08, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is reportedly mulling the possibility of building a retention tank beneath the football field of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in an attempt to solve the perennial flooding along España Boulevard in Manila.

“There is a proposal to install a retention tank so in the event that there would be heavy rains, the floodwater would be stored in this tank and not flood the streets. Once the rain stops, the floodwater inside the tank would be pumped out,” DPWH-National Capital Region (NCR) director Reynaldo Tagudando said.

He added that they proposed the project to the school officials two weeks ago and UST officials said they have already referred the matter to their legal office.

According to the DPWH, floods along España Boulevard usually reach depths of 20 to 30 centimeters.

Apart from alleviating the flood problem in the area, Tagudando said they chose UST as a site for the project because they believe that “it is feasible.”

He also assured that digging will not destroy the football grounds. “If UST approves of the project, we would fix the football field in such a way that they would still be able to use the field for their school activities,” Tagudando said.

The project, the DPWH-NCR chief added, is still in its preliminary stage – the agency’s Bureau of Design is still conducting research and planning to determine how deep they need to dig for the retention tank and if they would use the entire football field.

He said if UST agrees, they can start the project by next year.