Twin river structures shield Nueva Ecija farmlands from heavy flooding- DPWH
By Chito Chavez
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has built two flood control structures along the Pampanga River sections that ensure the protection of the residents in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija against the threat of inundation during inclement weather and heavy rains of long duration.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino noted that Barangays Magpapalayok and Tambo Adorable are the two communities that will benefit from the protective structures built by the DPWH Nueva Ecija Second District Engineering Office (DEO) under District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad.
A 410-lineal meter flood control structure was constructed in Barangay Magpapalayok that connects to the existing floodwalls along the section of Pampanga River.
Costing P63.05-million, the new floodwall serves as an additional layer of defense to safeguard both the lives and properties of Barangay Magpapalayok residents against river water overflow in times of torrential rains.
The DPWH Nueva Ecija Second DEO also completed a flood mitigation structure with two sections with a combined length of 826.8 lineal meters in Barangay Tambo Adorable.
The P96.5-million structure fortifies the riverbank of Pampanga River to minimize river swelling while also shielding nearby residential areas from flooding come rainy season.
Locals of Barangays Magpapalayok and Tambo Adorable rely on agriculture as their main source of livelihood making the provision of the flood control structures vital in ensuring that farmlands and fields dedicated to growing vegetables and other crops are free from water-related damage.
Both projects were funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022.
Aside from the two control projects, the DPWH Region 3 office has completed two road improvement projects costing P72.9 million in Guimba, Nueva Ecija that facilitate the delivery of goods and services.
Tolentino reported that the DPWH Nueva Ecija First District Engineering Office (DEO) has completed the concrete paving of two sections of the local road that connects Barangays Nagpandayan and Agcano in Guimba town.
The paved road section in Barangay Nagpandayan has a length of 4.35 kilometers while the project in Barangay Agcano measures 2.39 kilometers.
The upgraded road provides easier access to the farmlands as farmers bring their supplies and equipment with ease while traders can pick-up the crops directly from them.
Aside from boosting the local agricultural economy of Guimba, students of Nagpandayan Elementary School and Nagpandayan High School will also benefit from the paved road.