Balatucan River Control shields Capiz residents from storm surge

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Capiz 1^st District Engineering Office has completed a river control project to ensure the safety of residents from storm surges in Panit-an, Capiz.

Citing a report from District Engineer Nonie A. Viyar, DPWH Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the ₱76.2-million structure is 386 lineal meters long and funded under General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2021.

“The construction of the revetment wall (river control) along the Panay/Mambusao River Basin will reduce the risk of flooding. This will protect lives and properties in the local communities and avoid inundation along the roads near the river basin,” Bueno explained.

The Balatucan River Control proved to be an effective flood mitigation structure in protecting communities from natural calamities like typhoons or tropical depressions.

“This structure proved to be the protector of the local communities in Capiz as it reduced the impact of rain throughout the storm raged during the hit of the Tropical Depression ‘Agaton’ last April 2022,” RD Bueno added.

The Panitan Local Government Unit (LGU) thanked DPWH for constructing the flood control structure and the benefits it provides to the communities especially during calamities.

Bueno also envisions more projects in the future to be implemented in various areas of Capiz in line with the success of the river control in Balatucan.

“With the success of the Balatucan River Control, DPWH will work hand in hand on more structures and projects in the future that can benefit and protect Filipinos from the danger brought by the natural disasters,” RD Bueno concluded. (DPWH-6)