GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 13 February) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed some PHP345.7 million worth of flood control projects in South Cotabato province under the national government’s flagship “Build, Build, Build” program.
Engr. Khalil Sultan, chief of the South Cotabato 2nd District Engineering Office, said Thursday these comprise nine priority flood control structures situated in major rivers and tributaries traversing parts of the province.
He said these were located in Barangays Namnama in Koronadal City; Punong Grande, Rang-ay and San Jose in Banga town; Dajay in Surallah; and, Puti in Norala.
These barangays were traversed by three major rivers — Marbel, Allah and Banga — and affected by perennial flooding during the rainy season.
A number of severe floods were recorded in these areas these past years that destroyed agricultural crops, properties and public infrastructure.
“Residents living near the rivers and the low-lying areas are now safe from the dangers of flashfloods and loss of properties,” Sultan said.
He said the flood control projects, which include protective dikes along riverbanks, were funded and implemented under the 2019 national budget.
He said these were identified as priorities under the agency’s enhanced infrastructure program for flood risk mitigation.
“This is also in line with our efforts to reduce the vulnerability of identified flood-prone communities to floods,” he said.
The official added that on top of the completed flood control projects, at least 12 more are due for implementation under the 2020 budget. (MindaNews)