FLOOD CONTROL. The Balangiga River behind the town's church in this March 25, 2021 photo. At least PHP57.77 million worth of flood control projects have started along the town's major river to address the perennial flooding problem in the area. (Photo courtesy of Balangiga Cycling Club)
TACLOBAN CITY – At least PHP57.77 million worth of flood control projects have started in Balangiga, Eastern Samar to address the perennial flooding problem in the area.
District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said on Wednesday flood control structures are up for construction in Barangay (village) 1 and Sta. Rosa village with a combined length of 190 meters.
“These recipient communities are lucky to have these projects funded by the national government as these will give assurance of protection during the rainy season,” Junia said in a phone interview.
Both projects have kicked off last March. The structure in Barangay 1 will be completed on May 25 this year while the one in Sta. Rosa village will be finished on August 10.
Balangiga Mayor Randy Gaza thanked the DPWH for prioritizing the two flood control structures in their town during the preconstruction conference held earlier.
The Balangiga River has been listed as one of the 34 major rivers in Eastern Visayas listed as prone to flooding during the rainy season.
Hundreds of families in low-lying communities stand to benefit from these projects.
Earlier, the DPWH in Eastern Samar has announced plans to push for two major infrastructure projects for funding in 2022 to address road closures along major highways in Eastern Samar due to flooding.
A viaduct in Arteche town and an improved drainage system in Quinapondan town are the two key projects that will ensure that major roads in the province are passable even during the peak of the rainy season.
The low-lying road in Arteche forms part of the highway that links the provinces of Eastern and Northern Samar. The road section is a catchment area every time Oras River will overflow.
A viaduct is a specific type of bridge that consists of a series of piers, or columns supporting a long-elevated road.
Meanwhile, the road in Quinapondan is within the highway that connects Tacloban City to Guiuan, a commercial district in the eastern part of the province, and Borongan City.
The DPWH will have to come up with the proposed amount for the project after a thorough feasibility study. (PNA)
