Bacolod to undertake extensive desilting of Mandalagan River

Mayor Greg Gasataya is spearheading a large-scale clearing and desilting operation in the Mandalagan River. This initiative follows a hydrographic survey revealing that the river mouth’s water level has dropped to less than a meter, signaling significant silt accumulation.

The project aims to mitigate persistent flooding in adjacent communities, particularly Barangays Banago, 1, and 2. “Under normal circumstance the water flow is too slow to move into the sea due to the siltation, causing a backflow,” Gasataya explained.

The City Government anticipates the arrival of an amphibious dredger from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office to aid in the clearing efforts. “One thing is for sure that we are doing is based on the study conducted with the needed engineering measures,” Gasataya stated, assuring that the LGU will meet fuel supply needs and provide essential heavy equipment for hauling.

City Engineer’s Office Officer-in-Charge Engr. Loben Ceballos noted that the operation will span over 500 meters of the river, from the mouth to Mandalagan Bridge 2 in Barangay 1. He projects that the desilting process will take over six months and is expected to greatly alleviate flooding issues in the area.

Gasataya also disclosed plans to acquire a city-owned amphibious dredger to extend the clearing operations to other major waterways, including Banago River, Magsungay River, Lupit River, Sum-ag River, and Tangub River.* (Bacolod City Communocations Office)