Groups working together on river project

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –- An official from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) Friday said various groups have joined forces to fast-track the rechanneling of Pasig-Potrero River and divert the flow of water to its original channel.

Noli Pangan, an engineer from the PEO, explained in a radio program “Indung Kapampangan” that the Provincial Government, the municipality of Minalin, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have started simultaneous dredging activities.

He said that Governor Lilia Pineda ordered for immediate engineering intervention to put an end to the flooding problem affecting the residents from the southern portion of this city, including the towns of Sto. Tomas and Minalin.

It can be recalled that the San Fernando-Sto. Tomas Tail Dike breaches resulted in massive flooding in the nearby communities and resulted to the death of some 20 individuals who were caught off-guard by the high floodwater.

Pineda recently approved a P5-million budget to jumpstart the rechanneling project while waiting for the release of funds from DPWH.

The municipality of Minalin already dredged some 3.5 kilometers starting at the mouth of the San Francisco River going to the Pasig-Potrero-River.

On the part of the Provincial Government, dredging activities started in Dalang Pari River.

“Umabot na sa 1.5 kilometers ang nahuhukay natin,” Pangan stated.

Meanwhile, the DPWH likewise started the rechanneling activity along the area of Pump 2 in Bacolor section.

“Nagtutulong tulong na po tayo para madali ang pagsasaayos ng nasirang San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin Tail Dike. Sa loob ng tatlo hanggang apat na araw ay maidi-divert na natin ang tubig,” Pangan added.

Earlier, DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano, Jr. claimed that the full implementation of this project will last for three months with only four available backhoes and two barges working on the site.