The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently completed a flood control project in Ormoc City that protects over 300 households from the devastating effects of floods. The project involves the construction of gabion baskets or modular wire cages filled with stones that act as a barrier against floodwaters.
Ormoc City, located in the province of Leyte, is prone to severe flooding due to its proximity to bodies of water and its topography. In 2013, the city was hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which caused widespread destruction and claimed the lives of thousands of people. The disaster highlighted the need for better infrastructure and disaster resilience in the city.
The DPWH responded to the call for action by implementing a flood control project that utilizes gabion baskets. The project started in 2015 and was completed in 2020, with a total cost of PHP 63 million. The gabion baskets were installed along the banks of the Bugko River, which is the main waterway in the city.
The use of gabion baskets in flood control projects is a proven and cost-effective solution. These modular wire cages can easily adapt to the shape of the riverbank and can withstand the force of floodwaters. The stones inside the baskets also serve as a natural filter, preventing sediment and debris from entering the river.
Aside from the gabion baskets, the DPWH also constructed a concrete floodwall and a drainage system to further enhance the city's flood protection. The floodwall was built along a section of the riverbank that is highly vulnerable to flooding, while the drainage system directs excess water away from residential areas.
The completion of the flood control project in Ormoc City is a significant achievement for the DPWH and a testament to the government's commitment to improving the country's infrastructure and disaster resilience. The project not only protects the lives and properties of the people living in the area but also contributes to the economic development of the city by preventing damage to businesses and infrastructure.
In conclusion, the use of gabion baskets in flood control projects is an excellent example of the benefits of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions. The DPWH's flood control project in Ormoc City shows that investments in disaster resilience can go a long way in saving lives and preventing damage caused by natural disasters. It is a model that other cities and communities can replicate to protect their residents and assets from the effects of climate change.