DPWH Completes New Flood Wall Along Jaro-Aganan River

Ensuring the safety of communities along the Jaro-Aganan River, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed another key flood control structure in Iloilo.

The DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office recently finished constructing a 120-lineal-meter flood-resilient wall along the river in Barangays Balabag and Jibao-an, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

The PHP72.373-million project, funded under the FY 2024 DPWH Infrastructure Program, involved building a reinforced concrete revetment wall to protect residents, properties and resources from flood damage.

This initiative forms part of the broader implementation of flood control measures along the Jaro-Aganan River to prevent overflows that threaten nearby communities and farmlands.

District Engineer Mario G. Soriano reported to Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel that the structure provides critical protection against flash floods and riverbank erosion.

“This flood control structure is significant especially these rainy days,” Soriano said.

“The structure will reduce the risk of flooding by diverting, storing and releasing floodwaters in a controlled manner and will prevent contamination of drinking water sources,” he added.

Soriano also emphasized that the infrastructure would help reduce sedimentation and pollution by minimizing the volume of water rushing downstream, preventing the transport of sediments and pollutants.

Regional Director Oropel stressed the urgency and impact of the project, saying that without such structures, the risk of widespread flood damage would rise significantly.

“Livelihoods of most people in nearby communities depend on agricultural production and animal raising,” Oropel said.

“This structure will not only ensure the safety of precious lives, but also protect their source of living,” he added.

As part of its commitment to quality public infrastructure, the DPWH continues to construct essential flood control structures to safeguard vulnerable communities and their livelihoods. (DPWH)