Flood control structures built to address flooding in Bacolod City

Flooding is one of the major problems in big cities like Bacolod in Negros Occidental, particularly when heavy rains occur.

Hence, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bacolod City District Engineering Office constructed flood control structures and drainage systems in various areas of the city.

In his report to DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno, District Engineer Abraham C. Villareal said they are currently constructing a revetment wall with floodwall along Mandalagan River, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2022.

“We are now currently in the 3^rd phase of the flood control project with roughly 80 percent accomplishment and we are expecting to complete the construction this month,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

The ₱69.2-million flood control structure is built from Our Lady of Mercy Hospital to Mandalagan National High School. The project involves the construction of a 545-lineal meter long, 150-millimeter thick stone masonry wall.

“This structure will protect the river banks from further erosion, prevent water overflow, and protect the lives and properties of the people, especially along hospital and school facilities,” Director Bueno added.

Villareal said various roads and drainage systems were constructed in Bacolod City to provide motorists and pedestrians with safer and more comfortable travel and prevent water overflow on major roads in the city.

With a collective amount of ₱19.8 million, the project involves the construction of roads and drainage systems at the barangays of Taculing, Tangub, Alijis, Vista Alegre, Pahanocoy, and Granada to prevent overflow of water along the roads.

“The improved roads and drainage systems will the communities with a well-paved, comfortable and secured roadway and prevent flooding along these barangays, District Engineer Abraham C. Villareal said.

“Located along the shoreline with mostly plainlands, Bacolod City is the catch basin of water coming from neighboring cities and towns in Negros Occidental. Thus, the improvement of these flood control structures is beneficial to the people especially now that we are experiencing a series of typhoons and heavy rains,” DE Villareal added. (DPWH-6)