ILOILO City – The construction of 450.58 lineal meters flood control project along Barotac Viejo River in Brgy. Poblacion Ilawod in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo was completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 3rd District Engineering Office.
District Engineer Flordelis C. Enriquez said the river control project, in the amount of P55.0 million funded under District’s FY 2018 Regular Infrastructure Program, involves construction of 450.58-lineal meter river control, including slope protection, drainage and dike trail.
“The completion of this flood control project is very helpful especially to the flood-prone barangays of Poblacion and Natividad in the preservation of their lives, properties and livelihood,” Enriquez said.
Mrs. Rubby Flores, a resident of Brgy. Matividad said the project is very beneficial since they will no longer worry a lot about their lives and properties especially at night when heavy rains occur.
Enriquez also said that the trail in the dike gives a recreational venue in the community since it can be used for biking, jogging and walking. It is also used as access road going to the shoreline of Visayan Sea.
In addition, the District is continuously undertaking the construction of river control project, also along Barotac Viejo River, in the barangay of San Lucas, Poblacion and Natividad.
Likewise, the District has allotted an amount of P136.0 million in its FY 2019 budget for the construction of additional flood control project in Brgy. Natividad and Brgy. Poblacion Ilawod.
With these flood control projects, the lives of the people living near these rivers are protected, especially from threatening floods during rainy days. The structures also help prevent erosion of soil that may damage the houses and other properties of the people situated by the river./PN
