A spillway bridge project was recently constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to help motorists and locals cross a river in Barangay Himakilo, Bontoc, Southern Leyte.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, DPWH Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said that the spillway bridge was built in the amount of P1.9 million to keep floodwater under control when local drainage systems can no longer contain the water volume.
Secretary Villar said prior to the project, the section was recurrently rendered impassable due to river overflow during rainy season.
“The DPWH Southern Leyte District Engineering Office came up with a design that will not only curb the problem of overflowing in the area but will also allow motorists to pass through this section even during heavy downpour,” said Secretary Villar.
Flood-control and mitigation structures are among the priority projects of the Department in Southern Leyte.
In 2018 alone, DPWH carried out P485.31 million worth of flood control projects in the province which include the repair or maintenance of dikes, seawalls, river control, revetment, river walls, drainage mains, waterways, and flood control structures and facilities.