SAN SIMON — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the clearing and dredging of Tulaoc waterway in this town.
DPWH’s Bureau of Equipment (BOE) in collaboration with the Region 3 Equipment Management Division (EMD) has deployed one unit each of the Vegetation Cutter Dredger and Amphibious Excavator at Tulaoc River in San Simon.
The equipment will clear water hyacinths and dredge the waterway to prevent clogging.
DPWH said the move was in response to flooding experienced at the North Luzon Expressway and nearby communities during the onslaught of typhoons Egay, Falcon, and the southwest monsoon.
“The activity is expected to alleviate flooding in the area by enhancing the flow of river water,” DPWH said.
Citing a report of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DPWH said water hyacinths present a significant environmental challenge due to their rapid growth, which traps debris and obstructs river flow.
This results in heightened flood risks, threatening aquatic biodiversity, fostering disease-carrying vector breeding, and posing threats to public health, the agency added.
DPWH-EMD Chief Danilo Danganan said the Vegetation Cutter Dredger has a nominal pump capacity of 795 cubic meters per hour and a total solids capacity of 199 cubic meters per hour.
“It can dredge to a maximum depth of 6.7 meters (22 feet), making it a powerful tool for clearing water hyacinth-infested rivers," he said.
Danganan further added that the EMD's dredge crew is now being utilized in the operation, which commenced on August 23, 2023.
The cleanup campaign, which is expected to leave Tulaoc River free of such impediments and improve water flow, is seen to be completed on December 31, 2023.