THE CITY purchased a new heavy-duty vacuum jetting truck to address street flooding due to clogged drainage.
The jetting truck was turned over to the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) after it was blessed on Monday, Jan. 6, after the flag ceremony.
In an interview with the City Information Office, ASU head Paul Bermejo said the jetting truck is essential equipment to be used in closed canals where water overflows, causing flooding.
The truck will speed up canal clearing as it combines high-pressure jetting and vacuum suction to loosen hardened sludge, sand, and debris that manual rodding cannot do.
“Sa mga closed canal nga usahay dili makaya sa manual rodding kay kung gahi na gani to wala na sila’y mahimo, unlike nga naa ta’y equipment kay pasiritan ra og tubig mahumok siya, og mahumok, mao to’y pagsuyop pod sa mga sludge nga nabilin didtoa sa sulod sa drainage system (Sometimes, manual rodding is impossible in closed drainage because of thick sludge, so if we have an equipment to spray and loosen it, then we can suck the sludge)” Bermejo said.
Bermejo emphasized the truck is a game-changer in responding to clogged canals where floodwaters linger long after a heavy rainfall.
“Kung gamiton nato nang vacuum jetting truck dali lang siya kay, in first place, kung gahi na didto sa sulod ang mga sludge, mga debris, mga lapok or balas pwede na niya pasiritan. So, naa na siyay jetting, mao tung musirit (It’s easier to use the vacuum jetting truck has jetting capability to spray [high-pressure water] sludge, debris, mud, or sand),” he added.
As of June 2025, ASU reported having collected a total of 148 truckloads of trash and silt from various parts of the city.
Davaoeños are reminded not to dispose of garbage in canals to prevent clogging of waterways.
Photo: City Information Office
