ZAMBOANGA CITY - Damage to infrastructure and agriculture in Zamboanga City brought by Tropical Storm Paeng has soared to P370-million, based on a report by the city government.
Records from the Office of the City Engineer showed the damage covers 33 slope protection projects, bridges, and dredging and desiltation of rivers.
Damaged slope protection projects include the ones constructed in Barangay Tulungatung at a cost of P17 million, four projects in Barangay San Roque and in Pasonanca amounting to P13 million each.
The biggest damage recorded was the P30-million bridge in Barangay Pamucutan and four slope protection projects in barangays Sinunuc, Tulungatung, and Labuan worth P20-million each.
Meanwhile, damage to agricultural products reached P17.9 million based on continuous assessment conducted by the Office of the City Agriculturist.
A total of 203 hectares of rice fields and high value commercial crops in six agricultural districts were flooded, affecting a total of 388 farmers.
The city government nonetheless has been trying to fast track the repair of structures and delivery of assistance to affected farmers.
City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez said the farmers received food packs and other relief goods.
They were also given seedlings and fertilizers donated by Senator Imee Marcos during her recent visit here.