FLOOD CONTROL. The PHP50-million flood control project was constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways 6 (Western Visayas) on both sides of the Andoon River along the Bacolod North Road in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. The structure would reduce the community’s vulnerability to flooding by preventing overflow when the water level rises. (Photo courtesy of DPWH-6)
BACOLOD CITY – Two flood control structures totaling PHP104.75 million have been completed to address flooding in the cities of San Carlos and Sipalay in Negros Occidental.
In a report on Friday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 6 (Western Visayas) said in San Carlos City, the PHP50 million project has been constructed on both sides of the Andoon River along the Bacolod North Road.
DPWH-6 Director Nerie Bueno said the 212-lineal meter stone masonry wall structure, which is now fully operational, would reduce the community’s vulnerability to flooding by preventing overflow when the water level rises.
"It enables easy and faster excavation of river deposits caused by erosion from the mountain ranges of San Carlos City," she added.
To control the erosion of river banks and contain the rising water level, coco nets and sodding have been placed on the embankments.
District Engineer Oscar de la Cruz of the Negros Occidental Sub-District Engineering Office said that aside from protecting lives and properties, the structures would also ensure that crops and other agricultural products would be protected from the risk of flooding.
In the south, the PHP54.75 million flood control project in Sipalay City would address soil erosion and recurring floods in the villages of Gil Montilla, Nauhang, and Mamboroto in the poblacion area.
The structure, which was constructed by the Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office headed by District Engineer Rodney Gustilo, consists of a 420-lineal meter revetment wall with a hand-laid rock embankment.
“It would prevent possible water overflow that may damage and destroy crops and farmlands in Sipalay City,” Bueno said.
In recent years, San Carlos and Sipalay are among the local government units in Negros Occidental that have reported floodings in several of its barangays during typhoons and torrential rains. (PNA)
