SM CARES. Mayor Paulino tries backhoe donated by SM City Olongapo to help in the declogging of the city’s waterways.
CONTIBUTED PHOTO
ANGELES CITY– After experiencing historic flooding amid monsoon rains last August and September, Olongapo City folk are pursuing moves to prevent anew such scenario. Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino said his local government is set to begin massive river dredging local channels using a P2.4 million backhoe donated recently by SM Prime Holdings which has a mall in the city.
Paulino personally tested the equipment during the turnover held recently at the Marikit Park. “This donation is a big help to clear our river channels. This may not permanently drain out the flood but it will definitely lower it,” Paulino said. Private individuals have also lent four dump trucks that would support dredging works along Banicain River, he noted.
“We will also dredge the Kalaklan River,” the mayor said. Meanwhile, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jeffrey Khonghun has already asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct a separate dredging program along the upstream of Sta. Rita River and at the mouth of Kalaklan.
Dredged sand will be given free to residents of Olongapo and nearby areas upon clearance from the city engineering office. “It would be no use if we give out sand or filling materials from our desilting operation if it will return back to our rivers, we will fi rst inspect the site where local folk want the materials to see if it fi ts our requirements,” City Engineer Ed Santos said.
Olongapo suffered its worst flooding in years last August and September due to severe rains caused by the southwest monsoon that were enhanced by tropical disturbances Maring and Odette.
