About 56,000 residents of two villages in Bacolod City stand to benefit from the flood control structure along the Magsungay River, which traditionally overflows during torrential rains and causes flooding in surrounding communities.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Western Visayas said the construction of a revetment wall as a vital infrastructure project will protect residents of barangays of Alijis and Singcang-Airport.

“This would address the problem for residents who have been enduring the damaging impact of flooding brought about by typhoons that destroyed or damaged their properties, homes and livelihoods,” DPWH-6 Regional Director Sanny Boy said.

The project, implemented by the Bacolod City District Engineering Office headed by District Engineer Abraham Villareal, aims to improve the riverbank’s sustainability and stability, particularly during the rainy season.

Meanwhile, a river wall was also constructed along the Matagoy Creek, narrow water in Barangay Rizal, Silay City, just north of Bacolod City.

Oropel said the flood control structure, which aims to augment the creek’s limited capacity, will significantly reduce the risk of flashflood for residents living along the creek and in the nearby residential subdivision.

District Engineer Dene Baldonado, Jr. of the Negros Occidental First District Engineering Office also said the river wall stabilizes the creek’s banks, preventing erosion and preserving the surrounding environment. (PNA)