Major Southern Leyte rivers up for re-channelling

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 8 – Re-channelling of seven major rivers in Southern Leyte has been tagged by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a strategy to mitigate climate change impacts. 

The project is in support to the priorities of the provincial government, said Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia. 

Major rivers that will undergo re-channelling are in Canturing in Maasin City, Salug  in Bontoc town, Lawigan  in St. Bernard, Das-ay  in Hinunangan, Amparo  in Macrohon, Habay and Marayag  in San Francisco. 

“We, at the highways department, give our full commitment on this. Governor Damian Mercado’s plan for these projects is more than enough reason to support them,” Junia said.

Coordination with the provincial government will ensure a faster and more effective implementation of the project once approved. Moreover, safety of communities living along riverbanks will likewise be assured, according to Junia.

River re-channelling is a method that widens or deepens rivers to increase the capacity for flow volume at specific sections of a river which can facilitate more water during floods resulting to less damage. 

“However, it is not only limited to the major riverbanks in Southern Leyte. It can also be applicable to other rivers in the province that needs re-channelling,” she added.

A team will be deployed to conduct the survey prior to re-channelling project. (DPWH PR/PNA)