Bacolod to start major desilting of Mandalagan River

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya is spearheading a large-scale clearing and desilting operation of the Mandalagan River to address persistent flooding in Bacolod City.

Gasataya said Thursday the initiative follows a hydrographic survey that revealed the river mouth’s water level has dropped to less than a meter, indicating heavy silt accumulation.

The project aims to mitigate frequent flooding in nearby communities, particularly Barangays Banago, 1, and 2.

“Under normal circumstances, the water flow is too slow to reach the sea due to the siltation, causing a backflow,” Gasataya explained.

The city government expects the arrival of an amphibious dredger from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office to aid in the clearing efforts.

Gasataya said the operation is based on the hydrographic study and will involve appropriate engineering interventions.

He assured that the local government will supply fuel and deploy essential heavy equipment for hauling.

City Engineer’s Office officer-in-charge Engr. Loben Ceballos said the desilting will cover over 500 meters of the river, from its mouth to Mandalagan Bridge 2 in Barangay 1.

He projected that the clearing operation will take more than six months and significantly reduce flooding in the area.

Gasataya also revealed plans to acquire a city-owned amphibious dredger to continue operations in other major waterways, including Banago River, Magsungay River, Lupit River, Sum-ag River and Tangub River.

Earlier, the city’s clearing efforts at Banago River removed nearly 45 tons of silt.

The Banago River is considered a major drainage outfall for northern Bacolod.

About 44.8 tons, or 32 cubic meters, of sediment were removed during the first week of the month.

Gasataya said these desilting efforts aim to reduce the city’s flood risks.