BREAKING GROUND. Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Engr. Virgilio C. Eduarte (center) leads the groundbreaking for the PHP100-million flood mitigation structure near the University of Sto. Thomas in Legazpi City on Thursday (Oct. 26, 2023). Aside from protecting the people from floods, the project is also expected to decongest the traffic going to and from the first district of Albay. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-5 (Bicol) has started undertaking an infrastructure project in this city that will protect the public from devastating floods as well as decongest heavy traffic.
In an interview on Thursday, DPWH-5 Regional Director Engr. Virgilio C. Eduarte said the project worth PHP100 million is being funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and is expected to be completed by May 2024.
Eduarte led the groundbreaking ceremony for the road dike, a flood mitigation structure outside the University of Sto. Thomas University (UST) campus in Barangay Rawis here. Once completed, it is expected to decongest the traffic going to and from the first district of Albay.
"This project will include solar lights, sidewalk, lay-by, wheel guard, and traffic and road signages. This will serve as an alternate road to the northern barangays of Legazpi City," Eduarte said.
He added that the road could also serve as a tourism area especially at night time as it would be an ideal recreational place for families and health enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, in Camarines Sur, the construction of a PHP100-million flood mitigation structure is also underway.
The project which started last May 9 is expected to safeguard residents of Ocampo town from devastating floods, especially those living downstream from Hamorawon Bridge.
Eduarte also said the flood control structure can protect agricultural farms in the area.
The 367.6-meter-long project is set to be completed in January 2024. (PNA)
