the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the construction of flood control structures on both sides of Andoon River along Bacolod North Road in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
Delivered by DPWH-Negros Occidental Sub-District Engineering Office, the structure is built downstream of Andoon River to complement the already completed structure at the other bank of the said waterway.
Citing a report from District Engineer (DE) Oscar U. dela Cruz, DPWH Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno said the flood control structure benefits the people and communities in the area, as well as giving the government ease in maintaining the smooth flow of water.
“This structure enables an easy and faster excavation of river deposits caused by erosion from the mountain ranges of San Carlos City, making the river deeper and wider from 20 to 40 meters, which can hold greater run-off water, preventing overflow even if water level rises” Bueno said.
“Significantly, this flood control structure will protect the lives, properties, and livelihood of the people along the river, and prevent farmlands and agricultural areas from being damaged,” Bueno added.
Bueno further said that in order to control erosion of riverbanks and contain the rising water level that may harm both people and properties nearby, the embankments were provided with coco nets and sodding.
“This structure mainly aims to mitigate the risk of flooding and maintain safety of the community against rushing water especially during rainy season or when typhoon occurs,” RD Bueno added.
Meantime, DE dela Cruz said that other than protection of lives and houses, the structure will ensure continuous agricultural and economic activities in the area.
“With this structure, social and economic activities in the nearby communities will be ensured as crops and other agricultural products will be protected from the risk of possible flooding in the area,” DE dela Cruz said.
The ₱50-million project involves the construction of a 212-lineal meter stone masonry wall structure on both sides of the river and is now fully operational, reducing the community’s vulnerability to flood. (DPWH-6)
