Public works asked to speed up dike rehab

ARAYAT — A lawmaker asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to speed up the rehabilitation of Guemesan Dike to immediately save the town and nearby areas from possible flooding.

Pampanga third district Aurelio Gonzales Jr. made the instruction during an ocular inspection of the P25-million dike rehab project.

Also, both Gonzales and Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda have asked Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson to allocate funds for the project.

“This Guemasan Dike has been a constant worry for most residents here. We are asking the DPWH to implement and accomplish the project as soon as possible. The project is expected not to be delayed as the DPWH would be the implementing agency in the project,” Gonzales said.

A substantial portion of the portion of the Guemasan Dike collapsed last week after it failed to resist strong water currents coming from the upper portion of Pampanga River.

The towns of Mexico, Sta. Ana, San Luis and the City of San Fernando are in danger of being flooded if interventions are not set in place soon.

Gonzales said the DPWH should take advantage of the current good weather to implement the project. (Ian Ocampo Flora)