Governor Lilia G. Pineda disclosed that the provincial government of Pampanga will give priority focus on the immediate clearing of waterways to solve the perennial flooding problem in Pampanga even as it plans to purchase necessary heavy equipment at the soonest possible time.
Pineda said that the clearing, dredging and cleaning of clogged waterways especially along the downstream portion of Pampanga River should be immediately undertaken to prevent and minimize flooding in various parts of the province.
She also added that the provincial government would purchase loader, bulldozer, back hoe, dredger, and other needed heavy equipment for the waterways clearing project, including equipment for the removal of water hyacinths, from the calamity fund of the province.
“The calamity funds should be properly utilized on projects which have long term benefits to our province and to our people and should not merely be spent on relief goods and other temporary measures,” the governor emphasized.
The governor together with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Head Art Punsalan and other concerned provincial and municipal officials recently completed the conduct of aerial inspection of Pampanga River, Abacan River, FVR Mega Dike and other major waterways in the province.
These provincial and local officials also conducted on site inspections of coastal barangays of Masantol and Macabebe towns along the Pampanga River.
“We would be consolidating the results of both our aerial and on-site inspection of these areas and will be submitting the corresponding reports and recommendations to the DPWH Secretary.”
She expressed her gratitude to former DPWH Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus for extending the necessary assistance and support in this endeavor which aims to formulate long term solution to the flooding problem.
At the same time, she acknowledged former Governor Eddie T. Panlilio for the government funds he left to the Capitol as this would greatly help in the realization of infrastructure programs and projects and other development activities of the province.
Pineda enjoined concerned municipal, barangay officials, community residents and all other groups who could help to participate in the clearing project.
Recently, the province was declared under a state of calamity as an estimated 88,185 families or 290,818 individuals from 18 out of the total 20 municipalities in the province including the City of San Fernando were affected by floodwaters brought about by tropical storms Egay and Falcon.
The widespread flooding paralyzed the economic activities in the different municipalities and in the City of San Fernando as major thoroughfares were affected.
Moreover, tropical storm and southwest monsoon rains caused widespread destruction to fishponds, agricultural crops, poultry and livestock and other agricultural products and thus need rehabilitation. (Pampanga PIO)
