DREDGING. Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Regional Director Engr. Al Fruto (holding the microphone) updates members of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council on their initiatives at the Panay River during their meeting on Monday (March 13, 2023). He said they are waiting for the mobilization and operational funds to expedite the transport of the dredger from Iloilo City to Capiz. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct dredging activities at the Panay River, particularly at the mouth of the Cogon-Hamulauon River, to revive the waterways.
“Through the years it has developed siltation, encroachment. Even the Cogon-Hamulauon River, there are portions that are considered as dead that should be revived,” said DPWH assistant regional director Engr. Al Fruto in an interview on Monday.
He said the improvement of waterways is needed, especially in areas that are too narrow where motorized bancas could no longer pass.
Two outfalls are being considered for the dredging, the one at the portion of Roxas City and at the Tinagong Dagat or the waterway of Panay River to the sea.
“We are just waiting for the mobilization and operational fund to expedite the transport of the dredger from Iloilo City to the portion of the Cogon-Hamulauon River, to at least start with the cleaning and clearing of the outfalls,” he said.
Fruto added that they have also included in the 2024 regional budget the amount of PHP500 million to at least jumpstart the activities in the Panay River, particularly the Cogon-Hamulauon Floodway.
“There's a need for its construction, that's around 7.5 kilometers long and width of around 320 meters,” he said.
He said that devastating flood has been experienced in Capiz every year, affecting the province’s seafood basket, particularly the municipalities of Panay, Pontevedra and President Roxas.
The initiatives are pushed by the DPWH meantime that they are waiting for funds for the completion of the documentary requirements of the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP), which include the flood control component. (PNA)
