CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela – The provincial government of Isabela on Monday, September 18, expressed concern over the condition of Magat Dam in Magat, this province, due to siltation.
Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III, presiding during the 128th Regional Development Council-2 meeting at the provincial capitol amphitheater here which discussed the maintenance of Magat Dam, cited the urgent need to address the siltation crisis at the Magat Dam and the crucial role of sabo dams in managing downstream discharge and preventing sediment deposits in torrent beds.
Albano said according to studies, 40 to 50 percent of Magat Dam's capacity had been compromised due to siltation.
"The reports on the present condition of the dam should now be tackled seriously," said Albano as he recalled the
catastrophic flooding in Libya when two dams broke and killed over 8,000 people with 10,000 reported missing.
"This serves as an unfortunate but compelling testament to the imperative need for our swift action," he said.
The council unanimously approved the endorsement of a funding request for a feasibility study on the construction of cut-off channels for various river sections in the region to enhance the discharge rate of the Cagayan River and address long-term flooding issues.
These channels align with the recommendations of the 2002 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Feasibility Study on the Flood Control Project for the lower Cagayan River.
The Isabela Provincial Information Office said the council also approved the endorsement of a funding request for a comprehensive feasibility study that will integrate diverse structural and non-structural measures, including the construction of proposed sabo dams in Ramon, Isabela, and Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya.