Body mulled to probe dams in Oro, Bukidnon

Friday, January 20, 2012

CITY Councilor Alvin Calingin proposed Tuesday the creation of a fact-finding committee that is tasked to hold a dialogue with local officials in Libona and Baungon in Bukidnon to further study whether to allow the reconstruction of dams in the area.

Calingin said the fact-finding committee also needs to study first the possible liability of dam operators and inspect the bridges where the water ran through during the December 16, 2011 flash floods.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Calingin’s proposal came about due to suspicion that the water that contributed to the flash flood came “from somewhere in Libona and Baungon in Bukidnon” allegedly from damaged dams.

Reports said the damaged dams are owned by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Baungon, Bukidnon; Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (Cepalco) located at the boundary of Libona and Baungon and Rio Verde in Taguanao, Cagayan de Oro.

“If there were damaged dams, I’m sure the operators are planning also to reconstruct it. So a fact-finding committee must be created for the guidance of the body whether to give our consent to reconstruct these dams,” Calingin said.

The reported damage was earlier denied by the dam operators.

Calingin said both the dams of NIA and Cepalco were damaged and before doing any reconstruction, they would still have to seek permission from the local government unit.