Formulation of strategic schemes to confront perennial flooding in Bataan

BALANGA CITY, Bataan– Rapid urbanization and heavy siltation of water tributaries have been pinpointed as the principal contributors to flooding in the province’s coastal communities.

Ric Yuzon, Bataan provincial engineer, disclosed that the swelling of rain waters in low-lying sections are due to the massive obstruction of waterways and clogging of drainage system leading to nearby Manila Bay.

An experienced civil engineer, Yuzon categorically stated that there is no permanent solution to flooding at this time, we can only to minimize it through the installation of structural devices. However, Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia is optimistic about the current flood control programs being implemented by the provincial engineering office which efficiently conform with existing public works criteria.

Citing governor Garcia’s great concern on the disastrous effects of flood waters to public safety and welfare, livelihood, government and private infrastructures, they have opted to formulate a valuable strategic scheme  to confront the threat of perennial flooding situation, Yuzon said.

He said the immediate restoration of rivers and creeks to their former status, retrieval of debris and other waste materials and demolition of illegally constructed houses, buildings, fishponds and other encroachment of waterways may reduce the dilemma of the residents during rainy days.

According to Yuzon, the theoretical notion to avoid flooding is that the rate of water inflow should be equal to the rate of water outflow. Allocating funds for the setting up of strategically located pumping stations and construction of diversionary water routes in flood–prone districts are absolutely necessary to neutralize the intensity of rain waters, Yuzon said.

He added the aerial survey of affected flooded areas in the two northern towns of the province show the concentration of rain waters in critical spots requires improvement of structural and non-structural facilities to ensure faster receding time of flood waters.