Pampanga braces vs future flooding

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A multi-sectoral group here has adopted a resolution proposing for a long term solution on the flooding problem in this city and other towns in the province.

The City Government of San Fernando, Provincial Government, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (Pamcham) met the other day at the Heroes Hall and drafted immediate plans of actions to resolve the waterways problem affecting the province.

Aside from the overflowing of Pampanga River, another factor that contributed to the flooding problem in the province is the spillage of water from two dike breaches at the San Fernando–Santo Tomas–Minalin tail dike.

Businesses and properties in this city have been partially affected because roads become impassable when the water level rises.

The recommendations of the multi sectoral group include the immediate channeling of water from Gugu Creek down to Labuan River, closure of the two breaches at the San Fernando–Santo Tomas–Minalin tail dike, and rehabilitation of spillway 1 and 3 located near the transverse dike.

Rechanneling of the Pasig-Potrero River from Maliwalu upstream and raising the height of the San Fernando–Santo Tomas–Minalin tail dike were also proposed.

These proposal and recommendations will be presented to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson for appropriate interventions.

Present during the meeting were Governor Lilia Pineda, City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Mayors Carlito Naguit, Jose Maria Hizon, DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano and Pamcham President Marco Antonio Jimenez.