The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the flood control structure towards the downstream area of the Taligaman-Antongalon-Mahay Creek in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
The 660.66 lineal meter reinforced concrete revetment now contains the water from the creek, guiding its way under the bridge, and away from the road and surrounding rice paddies of Barangays Taligaman, Antongalon, Mahay, Lemon, Tagabaca, and Basag.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado, DPWH Region 13 Director Pol M. delos Santos said that the project is programmed to reach the cut-off channel in Barangay Baan to let the water flow into the Agusan River, resolving the flooding problem in the area.
"With a budget of 142 million pesos, we extended the revetment a few meters downstream so that we can solve the road flooding on both approaches of Lemon Bridge which is constantly flooded during extreme weather conditions,” Director delos Santos said.
During the onslaught of Typhoon Odette and the recent Low Pressure Area (LPA), it was observed that the rice fields in Barangay Lemon and Mahay were no longer flooded, and the road along Tiniwisan-Lemon was also cleared of overflowing water from the creek, making it passable to all types of vehicles.
“With its completion, farmers are expecting high yield of rice harvest gains. More importantly, barren silted rice paddies are now suitable for planting again,” added Director delos Santos.