River tributaries up for dredging

TWO Iloilo River tributaries are prioritized for dredging and clean-up once the P32-million Water Master dredging machine purchased by the Department of Public Works and Highways arrived here on September 25, 2012.

This was assured by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog after being informed of the development on the Dungon Creek and Calajunan Creek and the plan to dredge the creeks spanning more than 13 combined kilometers.

The Dungon Creek passes 13 barangays within the city mostly in Jaro district while the Calajunan Creek passes 3 barangays in Mandurriao and Arevalo areas in discharging into the Iloilo River.

However, both creeks have very low dissolved oxygen and very high coliform content.

According to the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, fecal coliform concentration in both Dungon and Calajunan creeks has greater levels at present as compared to the previous years.

Mabilog said it was recommended during the Iloilo River Development Council (IRDC) meeting this month to draft an action plan regarding the river tributaries. These include continuous dredging operations to reduce the river stagnation, sustain regular clean-up of waterways by involving the community to reduce pollution, implement stricter solid waste management program, crackdown on coliform contributors, and monitor waste water contribution from the public market in Jaro.

Last August 21, the rehabilitated Dungon Bridge was inaugurated and opened for public use. The bridge is a project of city Cong. Jerry P. Treñas, Mabilog and DPWH.

Similarly, some 1,000 families of informal settlers along the two creeks will be provided with relocation sites. Already under construction are houses for relocated families at the 5.6-hectare Lanit relocation site in Jaro and at the 3-hectare lot in Sooc, Arevalo.

Senator Franklin M. Drilon also assured financial assistance to the rehabilitation of Dungon Creek through a budget allocation in 2013.

The city dumpsite in Calajunan will also be converted into a sanitary landfill.