CAN a new municipal administration of flood-prone Sta. Barbara solve the perennial flooding problem in that third district town and its neighbors?

This issue became the focus of animated discussion at the Patrima Kapihan last Thursday when guest mayoralty bet Reynaldo Velasco sounded very positive about bringing solution to that problem which has hounded that town for decades now, spanning several administrations.

Velasco, who is facing comebacking Carlito Zaplan, said that the problem can be solved if it is given enough attention, noting the situation in the Scandinavian countries where the land is lower than the sea yet they found a solution to it.

“Dito sa atin baha lang yong problema . . .mas malala pa sa Scandinavian countries dahil mas mababa yong lupa kesa sa dagat pero nabigyan nila ng solusyon,” he said in reaction to a newsman’s query on whether a mere mayor can solve the problem when even House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. seemed unable to solve it.

The retired police general said he was leaving the matter to technical people to do the job and for his administration to source out funds. He said that he has connections with people in various government posts who can help him in his administration.

“Maybe they did not want to provide funds,” he said.
Outgoing third district Congressman Leopoldo Tulagan, who tried to look into the problem, found out that the flood control problem in the third district alone would cost several billions of pesos.

Velasco lambasted the present administration for having no master plan for the development of the town.

Zaplan had reigned for three consecutive terms before his wife Jinky took over in 2004. (DOS)