Local officials in Pampanga have issued an urgent appeal to the national government to address significant damage to a vital flood control structure, warning that delays could endanger thousands of residents.
Officials Sound Alarm on Critical Infrastructure
Arayat Mayor Jeffrey Luriz and Pampanga Third District Representative Mica Gonzales have formally called on Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to take immediate action. Their concern focuses on the damaged setback levee of the protective dike located in Barangay Cupang, Arayat. The officials, joined by other municipal and provincial leaders as well as engineers from the DPWH Central Luzon Office, emphasized that this infrastructure is a crucial line of defense against flooding.
The call for action came after a recent inspection prompted by reports of large cracks appearing in sections of the levee. The officials fear that without prompt repair, the compromised structure could fail, putting thousands of families in several Pampanga towns at serious risk.
Cause of Damage and Proposed Solution
In a press statement, the DPWH Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office confirmed it is currently addressing issues with the damaged concrete slope protection and a newly-constructed asphalt overlay on the dike. The department attributed the damage to a combination of factors, including structural fatigue from heavy trucks and equipment, as well as the impact of natural calamities like rapid water flow and scouring.
To expedite the necessary repairs, Mayor Luriz and Rep. Gonzales have suggested the dike be fixed "by administration." This method would allow the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to manage the repair works directly, potentially speeding up the process compared to going through a new public bidding procedure.
A History of Protection and a Call for Action
The Cupang dike, situated along the Pampanga River, was originally constructed by LR Tiqui Construction under a P124-million contract awarded by the DPWH. Its rehabilitation included slope protection with steel sheet piles along the Apalit-Arayat section. For over a decade, the structure has served its purpose effectively.
Thousands of families from Arayat, Sta. Ana, Mexico, and Magalang have benefited from the dike, with no major flooding reported in the area since its rehabilitation was completed 11 years ago. This track record underscores the critical importance of maintaining the structure's integrity. The current appeal highlights the pressing need to preserve this essential shield against seasonal floods and protect the communities that depend on it.
