The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed its program of works and has officially requested the national government for P500 million for the installation of floodgates in the five major rivers of Bacolod to prevent flooding, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
The floodgates will prevent water during high tide from entering the rivers, especially when heavy rains brought on by foul weather pour, to prevent flooding, he said.
Pumping stations will also be installed to drain rising waters in rivers, he said.
Expected to be included in the floodgate project are the Magsungay, Lupit, Sum-ag, Mandalagan and Banago rivers.
If the P500 million is included by Congress’ bicameral committee tackling the national budget for 2024, Benitez said the floodgate program could start next year.
Benitez said he also met with a Japanese consultant working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Tuesday.
“They are going around the city to identify the best solution to our drainage and floods,” he said.
The Japanese consultant is saying the Asian Development Bank and JICA might be able to help with the floodgate program, Benitez said.*