Valencia LGU allocates P3-M for flood diversion control project

By Judaline F. Partlow

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 7 (PNA) -– The local government of Valencia, Negros Oriental has allocated P3-million for a flood diversion control project to be implemented during the first quarter of this year.

This developed as Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr. met with 20 of the 24 barangay captains of that town Tuesday morning to assess the damage wrought by the recent flashfloods in Valencia and other parts of Negros Oriental.

Valencia information officer Des Tilos, Jr. said the assessment damage to waterworks, crops, livestock and infrastructure, totaling an estimated P4-million.

To recall, the Catmon water source, which supplies water to seven barangays in Valencia was destroyed after six of its distribution pipes were carried downstream the Banica River shortly before the New Year’s eve celebration.

Residents in these areas are getting limited supply of water through a water tanker and another major water source diverted to these villages at certain periods of the day.

Three other villages – Liptong, Lunga and Apolong – also reported that their barangay-operated waterworks systems were also affected by the flooding, although the municipal government has already extended some assistance to have these facilities repaired.

Mayor Gonzalez has also ordered a round-the-clock repair of the Catmon water source to ensure that operations could be restored within a week.

Two footbridges in barangays Malabo and Mampas were also damaged by the floods, rendering these areas impassable at the moment, said Tilos.

The municipal rural health unit headed by Dr. Fe Tagimacruz has also alerted residents to boil their water before drinking while the waterworks system is still being fixed.

She said the alternating delivery of water services to the different barangays might cause contamination of the water in Valencia.

The rural health unit there is also undertaking measures such as chlorination of water to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.

So far, there has been no reported cases yet of waterborne diseases due to the recent flooding, Tilos added. (PNA)