MONTERRAZAS de Cebu (FB)
CEBU CITY – A cease-and-desist order against a controversial hillside development here is not warranted.
This was the contain of a resolution approved by the Cebu City Council and defending the Monterrazas de Cebu development from complaints that it has caused massive flooding in surrounding areas.
A resolution authored by Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa and approved on Wednesday, April 8, stated that the council conducted discussions and consultations regarding the development of Monterrazas and its role in the hydrological landscape of the surrounding communities.
The resolution stated that earth-moving activities at the project site were due to the construction and optimization of critical detention ponds intended to manage surface runoff.
The resolution also cited a report by the Environmental Management Bureau, which found that the Monterrazas development has constructed and enhanced detention with an overall capacity of approximately 62,468 cubic meters and a total of 22 detention ponds strategically placed to contain and slow down surface runoff that helps mitigate flooding impacts.
The resolution added that flooding in the areas is not caused by the development but was “primarily compounded” by significant municipal drainage deficiencies.
Outdated pipes on Guadalajara St. and Guadalape Heights also contributed to the flooding, the resolution said.
The resolution added that it was also established that improper disposal of garbage and clogged drainage system also contributed to the flooding.
The resolution added that suspending the project would aggravate the risk of flooding as it would render Monterrazas’ detention system incomplete.
Findings and technical presentations made before the Sangguniang Panlungsod showed that “flooding incidents experienced in certain areas of Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City are the result of multiple contributing factors.”
“In view of the foregoing and pending further technical evaluation, the imposition of cease-and-desist order on the Monterrazas de Cebu project is not warranted,” the resolution said.
While a cease-and-desist order is unwarranted, the council urged the developer to comply with city ordinances, including the finalization of the special hauling permit and the submission of comprehensive hydrological studies.