Posted on October 20, 2016
By Princess Clea Arcellaz, Sun Star
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is preparing various projects for Pampanga to address the perennial flooding problem in low-lying municipalities of the province.
Through the implementation of the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Low Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project, the national government aims to minimize the adverse effects of flooding in the province.
DPWH Region III Director Antonio Molano, Jr. said that a total of eight deteriorated sluice gates will be repaired and replaced near the right bank of the Pampanga River to regulate the stream of water and prevent the backflow of the rivers.
He added that dredging and embankment works will also be conducted at the river channel network of the Third River, including Eastern Branch River, Caduang Tete River, and Sapang Maragul River to improve their drainage capacities and minimize the occurrence of flood in coastal areas.
Molano explained that dredging in Pampanga River is needed since the waterway continues to shallow due to the silt that flows down from upstream and Mt. Pinatubo.
The flood control project, which is being undertaken by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Flood Control and Management Cluster (UPMO-FCMC) started its 17-month detailed engineering and pre-construction stage in March this year.
When completed, the project will benefit the residents of flood-prone towns including Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin and Sto. Tomas.
Aside from this, the DPWH’s Mt. Pinatubo Emergency- Project Management Office led by Chief Engineer Lita Manalo is also facilitating the P300-million cut-off channel and bridge in Candaba town to address flooding in the municipality, as well as Arayat, San Luis, San Simon and Apalit towns.
Manalo said the project will straighten the flow of water from its current U-like stream to fasten its outflow to the Manila Bay.
Source: Sun Star
