The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of the P34. 2 million flood control structure that will protect the public in Talisay, Negros Occidental against the overflowing river during heavy rains of long duration.

Constructed by DPWH Negros Occidental First District Engineering Office, the 743-lineal meter stone masonry structure on both sides of the Minuluan River bank will shield the adjacent properties along the river and ensure better management of water flow at the channel.

DPWH Region 6 Director Nerie D. Bueno explained that Minulu-an River serves as a major water channel from the Talisay-Silay Basin which poses more danger as flooding frequently occurs in the area.

“Hence, the completion of the flood control structure will mitigate the impact of flood water from rushing towards houses and agricultural areas,’’ Bueno noted.

Other than protecting lives and properties, Bueno bared that the project will also mitigate damage to physical infrastructure and help ensure the continuation of economic activities since the Minulu-an River runs along the ongoing Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH) Project.

“While Minulu-an River contributes much to agricultural and economic activities of the locality, the sudden rise of water level during heavy rain causes danger to nearby communities, as observed in previous incidents where flooding affected hundreds of families in the area. With the new flood control structure, we hope that what happened in the past will no longer be experienced,” Bueno stressed.