The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is devoting P83.9 million towards the construction of river walls along both sides of the Imbang River in Silay City. According to DPWH District Engineer Jaime SJ Javellana, the project is expected to be completed by October.

Once completed, the project will protect residents of four local barangays from flooding as it will prevent the river from overflowing; the dike will also mitigate soil erosion.

Javellana added, they are closely monitoring the project and will fast-track construction given favorable weather conditions.

In Bacolod City, City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. proposed a resolution last month before the Sanguniang Panglungsod requesting Bacolod City District Engineering Office head, Engr. Abraham Villareal, to disclose their drainage system plans for the city to the City Engineer’s Office. The city councilor argued flooding in Bacolod City can be eased, or become a thing of the past, if there is proper coordination and consultation between national agencies and local government units.

Essentially, based on the resolution, Bacolod City is unaware of the projects being undertaken by the DPWH, which has a duty to inform the local government unit and its pertinent offices. If not for the resolution, what would come of such projects in the city? We will wait for any developments.

In addition, we will also wait for the results of talks between Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Bacolod City lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya a few weeks ago regarding flooding in the city./WDJ