With the onset of rainy season, approximately 300 households from Barangays San Isidro, Tambulilid, and Linao in Ormoc City are now protected by a flood control structure constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Based on a report submitted by DPWH Region 8 Director Allan S. Borromeo, the P28.5-million project along Haubon River involves the implementation of a 350-meter river wall, constructed through stone masonry with sheet piles, and steel slope protection which act as the first line of defense against river overflows.
“This structure will safeguard communities in low-lying areas during heavy rains and typhoons, which trigger the rise of river water, causing flood to inundate communities and destroy residential properties, livestock, and farmlands,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
The project is one of the four (4) structures in Ormoc City and part of the 13 flood control structures being implemented in the 4th District of Leyte province with three (3) in the Municipality of Albuera, two (2) each in the Municipalities of Kananga and Merida, and one (1) in the Municipalities of Isabel and Palompon, respectively.
Projects include river dredging, excavation of foundation, installation of gabions, and dike construction covering a total length of 4,911 linear meters.
Secretary Bonoan emphasizes the need to build more structures to help mitigate the adverse effects of flooding on the agricultural community and other valuable sectors, consistent with the Department’s goal to build disaster-resilient infrastructure in calamity-prone areas.