The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of flood mitigation structures along Miluao River in Zamboanga City, protecting the nearby community of Barangay Patalon come rainy season.
Secretary Mark A. Villar said that the DPWH Zamboanga City District Engineering Office (DEO) implemented the project in two (2) phases, with civil works done from February 2020 to March 2021.
Citing reports from DPWH Zamboanga City DEO District Engineer Antonio A. Gonzales, Secretary Villar further explained that the structure, consisting of grouted riprap on rubble concrete foundation, has a total length of 1,349.9 linear meters and has an average height of 3.5 meters for sections completed during phase 1 and five (5) meters for the remaining parts done during phase 2.
The newly-built flood mitigation structures now ensure the safety of about 8,000 Barangay Patalon residents as well as their properties and source of living, while doubling as preventive measures against the harmful riverbed degradation of Miluao River.
Meanwhile, Secretary Villar commended the DPWH Zamboanga City DEO for completing the protective structures ahead of the rainy season, despite the months-long work suspension the project faced due to pandemic-related restrictions.