MASANTOL A ring dike will mitigate flooding situation in this coastal town.
This was part of the assessment during the first Flood Summit hosted by the local government here on Wednesday.
The event gathered representatives from various national government agencies and other stakeholders to discuss the possible solution to flooding experienced by residents every year.
During the event, Woodfields Consultant Inc. (WCI) presented an ongoing feasibility study which included the construction of a ring dike and water pumping stations to address the flooding problem.
WCI is a private consultancy firm which was tapped by the Department of Public Works and Highways DPWH.
WCI Deputy Team Leader Maximo Bulanadi said the use of ring dike has been proven effective in Japan as well as in CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) area in Metro Manila.
He explained that the ring dike would enclose a specific area in an aim to protect it from tidal, pluvial and fluvial flooding.
A water pumping station will also be constructed to help drive out accumulated rainwater on areas inside the ring dike.
“Sa CAMANAVA area, may ginawa na rin na ring dike at ngayon may baha pa rin pero minimal nalang unlike before,” Bulanadi said.
He disclosed that the consultancy period on the proposed project will take around eight months and finished by early next year.
If approved, it will be a multi-year project with a target funding of P6-billion, said Bulanadi.
Mayor Jose Antonio “Ton-ton” Bustos said the national government will help in pursuing the project.
“We are looking at a long-term approach to solve the flood problem here in Masantol and our twin town of Macabebe. Kaya lang itong funding na kailangan ay hindi kaya at never kakayanin ng local funds lang kaya talagang nakikipag-usap tayo sa national government para matulungan tayo,” he said.
Bustos said at least 40,000 individuals from 14 barangays of Masantol and Macabebe will be saved from the effects of flooding if the project materializes.
Fishermen, businessmen and investors will also benefit if flooding is resolved, he added.
“Every year tumataas po ang sea level natin ng two centimeter at hindi natin kayang tapatan ng matataas na daan ‘yan dahil maiiwan po ang mga bahay at businesses dito kaya what we want is to really address the problem not at the expense of our constituents. Dito po sa ring dike, nakikita natin na magiging protektado tayo kahit tumaas pa ang tubig,” he said.