Concrete structure built for safer local communities along Ilog-Bungol River in Negros Occidental

Residents of local communities along Ilog-Bungol River in Ilog, Negros Occidental are now at ease without fearing much of the possible flooding when heavy rains occur with the additional structure built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

DPWH-Negros Occidental 3^rd District Engineering Office built an additional 254.4-lineal meter revetment wall to prevent the possible surge of water to agricultural and residential areas in Barangay Malabong and its neighboring barangays. The ₱92.5-million flood mitigation project also includes the provision of metallic-coated mattresses and right-of-way monuments

Citing the report of District Engineer Rodney A. Gustillo, OIC-Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the structure will reduce possible damage that may be caused by flooding and erosion of river banks.

“This revetment wall will protect the river banks from erosion and prevent the possible water overflow that may damage properties and livelihood or endanger lives of people and animals especially these days that we are experiencing series of typhoons and rain showers,” OIC-RD Sanny Boy O. Oropel said.

“The lower portion of the river basin comprises houses, and farmlands cultivated for sugarcane and rice production, hence, this flood control structure will divert the water to possibly hit the low areas to ensure the safety of the people and economic sustainability in the area,” RD Oropel added.

“With this, economic stability in the area will be sustained. This will also promote community resilience and improve risk reduction measures in rural and agricultural communities,” RD Oropel stressed.

In addition, DE Rodney A. Gustilo said this flood mitigation project is an effective emergency management infrastructure to further lessen the vulnerability of the river banks from the threats of erosion and frequent flooding.

“The continuous construction of this disaster-resilient infrastructure aims to eliminate the risk of flooding by preventing overflow in the advent of heavy downpours and typhoons, as this structure will serve as a strong barrier to withstand against surging and changing current of the river water,” DE Gustilo said.

“It is one of our priorities to ensure that people living near rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water are safe from possible damage due to flood, erosion or water overflow. DPWH continues to work in order to provide quality infrastructure projects and services for the welfare of our fellowmen,” DE Gustilo added. (DPWH)