A flood control structure along the Matiao River built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) now better protects communities in the Municipality of Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
DPWH Regional Office 11 Director Juby B. Cordon reported to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary for Mindanao Operations Eugenio R. Pipo, Jr. that the completed flood control structure is a 443.97-meter river wall in Barangay Bongbong section.
Implemented by the Davao de Oro First District Engineering Office (DEO), the P91.67-million river wall was constructed using reinforced concrete revetment strengthened by steel sheet piling.
The town of Pantukan serves as one of the main natural water drainages in Davao de Oro given its geography, with Barangay Bongbong sitting at the mount of Matias River draining to the Gulf of Davao.
According to Director Cordon, such protective structure for the communities of Barangay Bongbong is a strategic move in addressing perennial flooding in the area especially during heavy rain.
“With this new river wall, we aim to protect lives and properties against excess water overflowing from the Matiao River while also minimizing possible soil erosion of its riverbanks,” Director Cordon said.