Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson ordered DPWH Region 5 to complete the repair and rehabilitation of Busay-Bongalon River Control Project in Daraga, Albay soonest.
The DPWH Chief issued the instruction following the reported occurrence of flooding along Culliat Section of Daang Maharlika caused by the direct flowing of water from Busay-Bongalon river whenever continuous rains occur. DPWH has initially implemented the construction of a 40 lineal meter dike with steel sheet pile foundation at a cost of P8 million which was completed on October 10, 2011. However, right after its completion, incessant heavy rains followed bringing about severe damage on the existing dike.
An amount of P20 million was released to Albay 2nd District Engineering Office for the repair of damaged structure including the construction of 80 lineal meter concrete dike and lower the rock formation of Busay Falls by 2.5 meters and widen its river bed by 14.0 meters. According to Albay 2nd District Engineer Walter Lubiano, significant accomplishment have already been attained for the project if not for the unpredictable volume of water that damaged the stock piled embankment that diverted the flow of water towards Daang Maharlika last February 2, 2012.
Nevertheless, the steel sheet piles remained intact restraining the excessive water flow, hence, the road remained passable to all types of vehicles, said Lubiano. In addition to the river control project, some P5 million was also released for the rehabilitation of Culiat Section of Daang Maharlika whose pavement was heavily damaged due to the frequent inundation. The released amount will also be utilized for the construction of 3 meters by 3 meters box culvert and a detour road that will be installed just beside the section to be rehabilitated.
The initial work done on the detour road was however washed out by the recent flash flood in the Bicol Region but nonetheless, DPWH has assured the public that concerted efforts will be done to include round-the-clock work particularly during good weather condition to completed the project before end of April 2012.
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Dredging Today Staff, March 9, 2012