The provincial government, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and concerned local government units (LGUs) have started the simultaneous dredging activities that would pave the way for the repair of the breached portions of the San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin tail dike.
Governor Lilia Pineda said the diversion of water flow of Gugu River to its original channel would allow the DPWH to repair the estimated 80-meter breached portion of the tail dike.
It can be recalled that the tail dike was damaged during the height of torrential monsoon rains last August 7 that resulted in massive flooding in the City of San Fernando and the towns of Minalin and Sto. Tomas.
Likewise, the desilting operations in San Francisco river, which was led by Minalin Mayor Arthur Naguit are underway.
The DPWH, on the other hand, is also conducting desilting operations in Pump 2 along Bacolor section to complement the work of the provincial government and the municipality of Minalin.
“ We need to fast track the dredging activities so that the rehabilitation of the damaged tail dike be immediately started. We need to take advantage of the good weather condition,” Pineda said.
The DPWH through Secretary Rogelio Singson has recently approved the allotment of P270 million for the rehabilitation of the tail dike and the rechanneling of the waterways.
The provincial government has provided financial assistance to six coastal barangays in Masantol town whose residents are still living in tents and other temporary shelters.
The governor handed over to barangay captains of Alauli, Bagang, Nigui, Sapang Kawayan, Balibago and Sagrada the checks amounting to P20,000 each.
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Source: PNA, September 6, 2012