Ongoing construction works near the Bicutan Exit of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) had been cited as the possible cause of flooding in the expressway last Thursday, July 13.
The flooding, which started early Thursday morning, caused a tremendous traffic gridlock on the expressway that extended to more than 16 kilometers towards Santa Rosa City in Laguna.
In a statement, Skyway O&M Corp,. which manages the Metro Manila sector of the SLEX particularly the Skyway system, expressed "sincerest apologies" for the inconvenience and said the recent floodings brought by heavy rains were caused by “a drainage system problem outside of the Skyway system.”
The toll operator, that had been coordinating with public works people, also spotted as early as last February ongoing construction works in the periphery of the Bicutan Exit. In fact, the Toll Regulatory Board also identified ongoing expansion works in a major mall in the area.
“We have been in constant coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other government and private sector stakeholders in the area to find a way to address the issue together,” Skyway O&M assured motorists affected by the flooding.
Equipment to help drain floodwater faster was lent by the toll operator, that also deployed its maintenance teams to siphon off water from the expressway.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work with all involved stakeholders in the area to resolve the issue in the soonest possible time and ensure efficient and safe traffic flow on the expressway,” it added.
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