DPWH needs P2.4B to ‘control’ flood in Hermosa

The Department of Public Works and Highways needs more or less P2.4 billion to control perennial flooding in Hermosa and other adjacent towns, according to a study made by a joint government and non-government agencies “not necessarily to eliminate but at least control the incessant flooding in the area.”

Erlindo Flores, district engineer of DPWH First Engineering District, said as far as he can remember there was already study made to resolve or minimize the flood waters that frequently affect Hermosa residents during rainy season.
The study revealed that about P2.4 billion is needed to finance the project through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
One of the recommendations was to construct a cut-off channel within the area to control “or minimize the on-coming flood waters in Barangay Almacen and adjacent villages.
“The cut-off plus dredging of the silted river would be of great help to control flooding,” Flores said.

Another thing, he said, is to get rid of fish pens in the vicinity that affects the flow of water to the Manila Bay. Previous flood control projects were implemented in the previous years the amount of which could no longer be ascertained by DE Flores.
Residents of flood prone villages of Almacen, Daungan, San Pedro, and Polo, all in Hermosa said they have long been enduring the flood waters that affect their lives and properties every time heavy rains come.