DPWH completes flood control structure in Kabankalan City

The construction of a flood mitigation structure to that will protect various barangays along the downstream of Ilog-Hilabangan River in Kabankalan City is now completed.

The project was undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office.

The flood control project involves the construction of a 336.7-lineal meter revetment wall with a combination of rubble concrete and reinforced concrete revetment wall on steel sheet piles foundation.

It was funded under the district’s 2020 General Appropriation Act (GAA) amounting to P65.71 million.

In his report to DPWH-6 Regional Director (RD) Lea N. Delfinado, District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo said the structure is an addition to the existing revetment wall which was previously constructed along Ilog-Hilbangan River, particularly in the areas of barangays 6, 7, 8, 9, and Brgy. Talubangi.

Ilog-Hilabangan River serves as the catch basin of waters coming from the mountain ranges of Candoni connecting through Tabla River in Brgy. Magballo, Kabankalan and of waters from other portion of Negros Oriental merging through Hilabangan River in Brgy. Orong, Kabankalan City.

“Being the catch basin located in the urban area of the city, the entire city proper of Kabankalan is a considered as a flood prone area that has been compromised during the sudden occurrence of heavy rains and tropical storms.  Previously, such situations usually impose threats damages on properties due to riverbank collapse and overflow of water. However, after the completion of the flood mitigation control, a sense of relief was provided to them as their properties and lives will be protected against natural calamities,” DE Gustilo said.

DE Gustilo said P100 million under the 2021 GAA was allocated for an additional 498.50-lineal meter revetment wall stretching to the riverbank of Ilog-Hilabangan River at Brgy. 6 leading towards Brgy.  Talubangi. It is currently constructed as a constant commitment of the Department in building disaster resilient structures against major floods and calamities.

RD Delfinado said the flood control project plays a big part in the flood mitigation response of Kabankalan City as it mainly protects the urbanized areas which is the center of trades.

“The completion of this flood control structure is very timely considering that rainy season is just around the corner. With this (structure), riverbanks will not be eroded and water overflow will be prevented, thus the lives and properties of the approximately 2,630 households of the four barangays in Kabankalan City situated near the river will be protected,” Delfinado said. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)