Posted on March 22, 2021
DPWH TO REMOVE 273K CUBIC METERS OF SILT IN ZAMBALES RIVER
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started dredging activities in Kalaklan River in Olongapo City, Zambales to address heavy siltation and prevent flooding in the city.
Based on a report from DPWH Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said that a cutter suction dredger was deployed in the river to allow unrestricted passage of runoff towards Subic Bay.
“We are targeting to remove approximately 273,991 cubic meters of sand and silt that has been deposited from the mountains and residential areas in Zambales and try to restore the waterway to its original depth, maintain accessibility of the channel for boats, and minimize flooding in the city,” announced Secretary Villar.
Spearheaded by DPWH Regional Office 3 and assisted by DPWH Zambales Second District Engineering Office, the project will be implemented in two (2) phases: clearing the waterway of garbage, drifted lumber, coconut, other large debris that could obstruct the operation of the Wastemaster Classic V dredger; and dredging of the river to a depth of 3-meters with a slope of 45° degrees using a suction pump.
“This 11-month project will be monitored through bathymetric surveys that measure the progress of the depth of the water body while water will be tracked through water sampling in various locations,” said Director Tolentino.
Secretary Villar also commended Director Tolentino for deploying a total of twenty-one (21) dredging equipments across Pampanga, Bulacan, and Zambales to improve the water network and prevent flooding in Central Luzon.
