By Betheena Unite
A new flood-control structure was recently completed to protect residents of Barangay Batasan Hills in Quezon City against flooding and overflowing of the nearby Marikina River.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar announced its completion Tuesday.
The P93-million project, according to Villar, covers the construction of a 152-linear meter river wall with slope protection consisting of concrete piles, reinforced concrete structures as well as riprap and masonry work in Vista Real Subdivision, Phase II.
It is 12-meter high slope protection that is a vital component of the Pasig Marikina River Channel Improvement Project which aims to prevent river overflow and flooding by improving the river channel.
“By constructing flood control projects like this, we hope to protect lives and properties and avoid experiencing the same devastation to Metro Manila in 2009 by Typhoon Ondoy”, Villar said.
It can be recalled that 85 percent of Marikina City submerged during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy in 2009. It also placed Metro Manila and about 30 percent of the provinces of the Philippines under a state of calamity.
The improvement works being implemented on the Pasig-Marikina River is part of the nationwide program of the department on major river basins in the country.