Residents and motorists in a key area of Lapu-Lapu City may soon find relief from chronic flooding that has long disrupted daily life. A significant infrastructure project is now underway to address the problem at its source.
A Permanent Solution for a Recurring Problem
Lone District Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan has announced the construction of a major retention pond designed to manage stormwater runoff in Barangay Basak. The P1.5-million project, which began in December 2025, targets flooding along S. Osmeña St., Maximo Patalinhug, areas across The Outlets, and surrounding parts of Basak.
Chan explained that the location's topography is a primary cause of the issue. The Petron station in Basak sits in a low-lying area, causing the adjacent road to slope toward it. This natural funnel collects water during heavy rains, leading to severe flooding.
How the New System Will Work
The engineered solution is a 75,000-cubic-meter retention pond, a permanent basin built to hold excess stormwater. Its purpose is to collect runoff and release it gradually, preventing sudden surges that cause flooding and erosion downstream.
The project incorporates modern technology for efficiency:
- Sensors installed inside the pond will monitor water levels.
- Once water reaches 20,000 cubic meters, the sensors will automatically activate a pumping station.
- The pumps will then move the water through an eight-inch-diameter pipeline toward a designated outfall area.
The main retention pond, situated in front of a motor sales establishment in Basak, is expected to be finished first. The accompanying pumping and piping systems are scheduled for installation in 2026. Chan also noted that an additional, smaller retention pond has been constructed within the gas station's own compound for added protection.
Early Signs of Success and Other Projects
Even in its partially completed state, the new infrastructure has shown promising results. Chan recalled a recent rainfall event measuring 114 millimeters that submerged the area in knee-deep water, crippling traffic and daily activities. However, during a subsequent downpour of similar intensity, the unfinished pond successfully contained the excess water, significantly reducing flooding on nearby roads and in communities.
While the automated system is not yet fully operational, Chan assured that manual declogging efforts are ongoing to ensure proper drainage in the interim.
The congressman also highlighted another successful infrastructure project in the city. The installation of a new 2.4-meter box culvert drainage in Barangay Poblacion has kept that area largely free from floods, even during recent heavy rains and storms, including Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.
This multi-pronged approach to flood control underscores Lapu-Lapu City's commitment to investing in long-term solutions for its residents' safety and convenience.
