SASMUAN, Pampanga—Gov. Lilia Pineda on Thursday ordered local officials here to assist the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in clearing and demolishing all illegal structures in Sasmuan River near Manila Bay.
The governor inspected on Friday the ongoing dredging and clearing operations along the Sasmuan River utilizing the dredging equipment of the DPWH.
The governor was joined by Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, Board Members Joseph Anthony Torres and Ricardo Yabut, DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr., Lita Manalo, Flood Control Consultant Brent Berry, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office Angie Blanco, Engr. Lulu Alingcastre, Chief of Staff Olga Frances David-Dizon, Executive Assistant Edna Vitug and other officials.
The governor got mad upon seeing that a portion of the river became a virtual dump, as tons of garbage were dumped along the riverbanks.
With this, the governor instructed the Provincial Government Environment officer Arthur Punsalan to assist Mayor Nardo Velasco to remove the tons of garbage dumped beside the river and clear the area as soon as possible.
Pineda had envisioned that after the clearing operations, the town’s river will become one of the most important tourist and fishing destinations not only in the province but also in the entire Central Luzon area, considering its rich natural resources, such as various species of fish, mangroves and different species of migratory birds, among others.
On Friday the governor also took notice of the foreign bird watchers, who were busy counting the number of migratory birds flying and playing along the stretch of the river near the mangrove plantation.
They also noticed that illegal structures of the informal settlers are constructed on both sides of the riverbanks as they virtually established communities at the center of the river.
The DPWH said they are mandated to enforce the order of the SC in clearing the illegal-fish ponds constructed along the river stretch, including the facilities and structures.
Pineda said with the implementation of the clearing operation, they could prevent massive flooding in low-lying areas.
The governor and the DPWH officials warned the residents here to vacate the area, specifically those who encroached both banks of the river.
The governor also urged the barangay officials to cooperate with the government in demolishing illegal structures in the area to prevent flooding.
The encroachment of illegal structures prevents the free flow of water along the river that causes flooding during rainy seasons.
Local officials here confirmed that illegal structure, like fishponds, contribute to the flooding problem in the area.
Joel P. Mapiles | Correspondent
Image credits: joel Mapiles