The Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas Tuesday said it completed the construction of a P40-million flood control project at Paniqui-on River in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
It involved the construction of a 1.04-lane kilometer long, 3.5-meter high stone masonry, including embankment and weep holes that will allow rain water to go downstream rather than staying stagnant on the surface along the river banks.
DPWH 6 regional director Nerie Bueno said the structure will help mitigate the erosion of river banks that may be caused by rushing water when heavy rains occur, and is expected to benefit farms and other agricultural lands.
“Residents of Barangay Jerusalem along Paniqui-on River will no longer spend sleepless nights when heavy rains occur,” the DPWH said in a statement, adding that with this flood control structure, rushing water may not easily affect river banks, so rice lands, sugarcane plantations, and other agricultural areas will not be damaged, thereby increasing productivity for sustainable supply.
“Lives and properties, as well as the cattle and poultry industry will also be secured,” Bueno stressed.
Paniqui-on River is a tributary of the much bigger and longer Lumanoy River, where flooding is a common occurrence during rainy days or when typhoons occur. Building protection will help prevent untoward incidents, OIC-District Engineer Dene Baldonado Jr. of the DPWH Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office said.
“With this project, agricultural communities and residents near the river will be protected against soil erosion and flooding,” Baldonado added.
Meanwhile, the DPWH Negros Occidental Sub District Engineering Office also reported the completion of a P6-million covered court in San Carlos City.
It involved the construction of a 1,085-square meter structure with two playing courts, bleachers, and comfort rooms, providing a conducive venue for sports enthusiasts and spectators.
The building serves as a better area for sports events as well as gatherings, meetings, and other social engagements in the locality; and may serve as a temporary evacuation center, the DPWH said. ||
