CATARMAN,N. Samar- A flood control structure along Gebulwangan River in Barangay Gebulwangan, Catarman Northern Samar that is being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First DEO is now substantially complete.
Funded under DPWH CY-2022 General Appropriations, the P48.27-million project includes the construction of 216.80 linear meters Reinforced Concrete Flood Control Structure on 12m-Steel Sheet Pile Foundation and four solar panel street lights.
The district office began the construction of the project last February 21, 2022 and is expected to be finished within this month.
It can be recalled that on December 2021, Typhoon “Odette” brought torrential rains in the area, which severely affected the residents since they could not pass through the river due to the overflowing of water.
Brgy. Chairman Dominador V. Senining said in an interview that the said structure will greatly protect them especially during calamities.
“Sa nakalipas na panahon, pag bumabaha ay palaging gumuguho ang portion na iyon. Kaya kung iyong titingnan, nagiging malawak na ang ilog na ito. Malaking tulong ito sa amin kasi ngayon nakikita naman ninyo na andyan na ang proyekto. Nagawan na ng Flood Control at wala nang gumuho na lupa. Kaya napalaking tulong ito, kasi ang Barangay namin malaki na ang nabawas dyan. Ngayon, malaki na ang naging kumpyansa ng aming mga residente lalong-lalo na ang mga abot ng proyektong iyan kasi naging safe na ang kalagayan nila, lalo na ang mga bahay na nandyan sa gilid ng ilog”, Senining said.
“Years ago, portion of that area would always erode whenever it became flooded. As you can see, the river is wider than it was before. This project is a great help for us, having a flood control structure that prevents the further erosion of the area, considering that a considerable part of our Barangay had eroded. Now, the constituents of this barangay, especially those residing near the river, are greatly relieved since their lives and properties are now protected by this project.”
Once completed, this flood control structure will serve as a protection to the lives and properties of residents living along Gebulwangan River.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)
