Construction and other ongoing activities at the Monterrazas development may proceed after a Cebu City technical committee recommended allowing existing works to continue, while noting that the development’s drainage systems include measures intended to manage stormwater runoff.
The recommendation was contained in a resolution adopting the report of the Cebu City Technical Infrastructure Committee (TIC), which conducted a fact-finding and technical review of the Monterrazas development of Mont Property Group.
The resolution was endorsed to the Cebu City Council and placed on the agenda for its regular session this week.
A copy obtained by the Business Mirror of the TIC’s review focused on the development’s drainage and hydrological characteristics, including its catchment areas, water-flow patterns, drainage outfalls, detention ponds, slope protection measures and road construction.
The committee inspected the approximately 118-hectare property, which has 14 identified catchment areas.
The report also examined flooding concerns in Guadalajara and possible runoff from neighboring developments, including Grand Legacy subdivision and Bethany Christian School. It noted that some surrounding developments reportedly do not have detention ponds.
The TIC, however, stressed that its proceedings were limited to fact-finding and technical assessment. It said the review did not establish the cause of flooding in surrounding communities.
The committee likewise did not make a final finding that Monterrazas was solely or directly responsible for any flooding incident or condition.
According to the report, determining the sources and extent of flooding and drainage impacts would require additional technical investigations, hydrological assessments and validation of drainage routes by the appropriate government agencies.
The committee’s recommendation also does not amount to a development approval, permit, clearance, authorization or certification for Monterrazas.
It further clarified that the recommendation should not be interpreted as a finding that the development has no direct or indirect contribution to flooding or drainage conditions.
Mont Property Group welcomed the findings and said it would continue coordinating with the Cebu City Government, Barangay Guadalupe and neighboring communities on flood-mitigation measures.
‘Mont Property Group will continue to ensure all of our projects comply with the government’s regulations,’ general manager Camille Bondad said, adding that the company’s priority is the welfare of neighboring communities and the environmental integrity of the area.