BORACAY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is using German technology in rehabilitating the drainage system in this island resort.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes with a length of 6 meters and a diameter of 1.2 meters will replace the 1-meter long reinforced concrete pipes that the DPWH traditionally uses.
“Ang lifespan niya hundred years,” DPWH secretary Mark Villar said during his visit to the island on Wednesday. “In terms of size, doble po ang laki ng (bagong) pipes.”
The DPWH plans to use 800 HDPE pipes for Phase I of the drainage system project. Boracay is one of the first areas in the country to be installed with such German technology.
Villar is confident the “storm drains” the DPWH is building will solve flooding in the island, especially during the rainy season.
“Mabilis po ang installation,” he said. “At siyempre iyong quality – napakahalaga na … iyong quality ng pipes ay dapat pangmatagalan.”
Among the qualities of HDPE pipes is the capacity to contain man-made chemicals and solid waste to prevent leakage and contamination.
“Dati kasi kulang na kulang iyong capacity sa drainage sa sewerage kaya ngayon po ina-anticipate namin iyong demand,” said Villar. “Ngayon pa lang malaki na para hindi tayo mahihirapan.”
The 5-kilometer drainage project has an estimated total cost of P540 million.
The DPWH aims to complete the installation in time for the reopening of the island resort in October. (UNTV News and Rescue)
