CUYAPO, Nueva Ecija -- The ongoing construction of a small water impoundment and the rehabilitation of a natural pond which are nearing completion are expected to benefit farmers and residents of Brgy. Bambanaba in this town.
Residents will not only experience improved access to water sources but will also be less vulnerable to flooding.
The project is being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways–Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office.
District Engineer Armando Z. Manabat said that the P9.8-million Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) involves the construction of a concrete structure in Sitio Tabon.
“With an accomplishment rate of 93.7%, the water reservoir is being built not far from a pond located at the foot of a high terrain,” said Manabat.
Manabat explained that once completed, the structure will efficiently store rainfall and run-off during the rainy season, thus preventing water overflow into nearby residential and agricultural communities.
Manabat stressed that they are also excavating the shallow and uneven sections of the natural pond to deepen it by 2 to 2.4 meters.
As of Sept. 15, 2022, the project with a planned physical target of 42,436 cubic meters of soil excavation is 90% complete.
Aside from managing flood risks, the project will also be beneficial to the agricultural sector as it is expected to provide ample water supply to irrigate farmlands not only in the said barangay but also in neighboring villages.
Barangay Bambanaba OIC-Captain Rodrigo Casiera emphasized that the natural pond serves as a water retention basin and by deepening its bed, its storage capacity increases so it can accumulate more water run-off that comes from high places.
The barangay official added that residents often get the water they use for their daily activities in the reservoir, while farmers also benefit from this water source especially during dry season mainly for irrigating their crops.
“Marami pong magsasaka ang makikinabang sa maiipon na tubig. Kahit hindi po kami kumuha ng tubig sa irigasyon at diyan lang kami kukuha ay mabubuhay po kami. More than 100 farmers po ang makikinabang,” Casiera said.
Both projects are expected to be completed before the end of the year.