The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ensured the safety against water-related hazards of communities along the Agusan River with the completion of a flood control project in Compostela, Davao de Oro.
DPWH Regional Office 11 Director Juby B. Cordon reported to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary for Mindanao Operations Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. that areas near the section of Agusan River in Barangay Poblacion, Compostela are now better protected against possible excess water overflowing from the river in times of heavy rains and typhoons.
According to Director Cordon, the project involves the construction of four (4) segments of flood control structures totaling to 381.15 lineal meters located near the Agusan Valma Bridge.
Completed are reinforced concrete revetment structures measuring 174.48 lineal meters along the river’s right-side bank for Segment 1, 50.82 lineal meters for Segment 2, 84.7 lineal meters for Segment 3, and 73.15 lineal meters for Segment 4 all at the river’s left-side bank.
Director Cordon further explained that the structures were built with steel sheet piles and constructed reinforced box culvert as well as installed gabions and mattresses to provide optimal protection of lives and properties from inundation.
“Aside from addressing flood risks brought about by changing climate and weather uncertainties, the protective structures by preventing riverbank erosion also double as reinforcement to the Agusan Valma Bridge given its proximity,” Director Cordon said.
The DPWH Davao de Oro Second District Engineering Office (DEO) implemented the P91.92-million project with funding sourced from the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).