The Department of Public Works and Highways Negros Occidental 2nd District Engineering Office said it has finished the construction of a riverbank slope protection, worth P99 million, in Barangay San Jose, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
The project, funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, involves the construction of a 236-meter stretch of reinforced concrete slope protection, fortified with steel sheet piles.
This structure is designed to hold the soil in place and prevent erosion, particularly during heavy rains and typhoons.
DPWH6 director Sanny Boy Oropel stressed that the project will protect the riverbank as well as the lives and properties of residents in the vicinity, by mitigating the risk of landslides.
“This slope protection project is our commitment to safeguarding the lives, homes, and properties of residents along Binalbagan River. It gives them a sense of security and assurance, especially at night when they are most vulnerable to natural calamities,” Oropel said in a statement July 2.
District Engineer Marivic Roldan added that the structure is vital in preventing soil erosion and landslides.
“The reinforced concrete and steel sheet piles form a robust barrier against the forces of nature, ensuring the stability of the riverbank and the safety of the community,” Roldan said.
It is expected to bring significant relief to residents, who have long been concerned about the potential dangers posed by the river during adverse weather conditions. “With the completion of this slope protection, the community can look forward to a future with reduced risks of natural disasters affecting their daily lives,” the DPWH said. ||
