The Philippines: Calmay River Dredging Underway

Calmay River Dredging Underway

Despite the loss of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) by Congress, the city of Dagupan is currently enjoying an infrastructure bonanza courtesy of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), reported PNA.

This was bared by Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia who said that a total of 11 roads, bridges and flood control projects worth P159 million are simultaneously ongoing or are yet to begin construction for some of the projects in Dagupan City.

Addressing the commemorative program marking the 67th charter anniversary of Dagupan at CSI Stadia, De Venecia said that she and Mayor Belen Fernandez sought these projects from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which included these in the General Appropriations Act approved by Congress.

At the same time, the DPWH, at the request of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and De Venecia, also sent three dredging machines to Dagupan, all of which are now excavating silt and sediment along the Calmay River.

So far, the dredging operation in the city excavated around 4,000 cubic meters or approx 225 truckloads of silt and sediment from the Calmay River. The dredging of the city’s rivers will greatly reduce the occurrence of flood as it will result in faster flow of water from the upland.

All these machines, which include the brand new Water Master Classic IV amphibious excavator dredger just imported from Finland, will be in Dagupan for one year. They are expected to collect more than 250,000 cubic meters of silt in a year.

Among the ongoing infrastructure projects in the city are the widening of the Lucao Bridge, worth P20 million; widening of the Lucao Road, P27 million; widening of the Mangeragday Bridge in Bonuan Binloc, P45 million;

Construction of riverbank protection along the Sinocalan River to prevent flood in Barangays Malued, Pogo Grande, Lasip Grande and Lasip Chico affected by flood waters from adjacent Calasiao costing P40 million will soon be started as the bidding was already completed .

[mappress]

Press Release, June 20, 2014