MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed two flood control projects with a total worth of PhP 121 million in Bacnotan town, La Union and Bayambang town, Pangasinan.
DPWH Ilocos Region information officer Esperanza Tinaza said the flood control structure along Barangay Guinabang and Barangay Calautit at Maragayap River in Bacnotan, La Union costs around PhP 82.97 million, funded from this year’s national budget.
“The scope of work included the construction of a 497.42-meter-long concrete dike, revetment, and grouted riprap with steel sheet piles, aimed at controlling and mitigating floods in the area,” she said in a statement on Monday.
La Union first district engineering officer-in-charge Engineer Sherylann Gonzales said the hydraulic dike along the Maragayap River is expected to protect residents and their properties from hazards due to flooding when the river starts to overflow especially during typhoons and the rainy season.
“The concrete dike and revetment will help mitigate and control flooding in the barangays (villages) and surrounding areas. With the completion of this flood control structure, the DPWH aims to provide better protection to the local community, reducing the risk of damage during extreme weather conditions,” she said.
The project began last February 14 and was completed on July 23.
Meanwhile, the flood control structure in the villages of Bongato West, San Vicente, and Caturay, which is along the Agno River in Bayambang, Pangasinan, was completed last August 5.
Tinaza said the project, worth PHP38.1 million and funded under this year’s national budget, will help address overflowing of the river system.
It involved clearing and grubbing, embankment (from borrow), gravel fill, reinforcing steel grade 40, structural and rubble concrete, furnished and driven steel sheet pile (Z-type, Grade 60) and pipe culverts.
“It is designed to safeguard local communities from the risks of flooding. By reinforcing riverbanks and preventing overflow during heavy rainfall, these flood control structures offer increased protection to both agricultural lands and residential areas, reducing the possibility of flood-related damage,” Tinaza added. (PNA)