The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) spearheaded the site inspection and survey of the Pasonanca watershed area where the 3 proposed small water impounding dams are set to be constructed.
Along with representatives from the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD), Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), City Engineer’s Office, 54th Engineering Brigade, Philippine Army and Ateneo de Zamboanga Phil-LiDAR and other stakeholders, CDRRMO-led team scoured the watershed area to determine the exact location and other details for the proposed project.
CDRRMO Chief Dr. Elmeir Apolinario said the construction of small impounding dams is very effective and cheaper strategy to mitigate water shortage in times of drought.
Following the first inspection, the CDRRMO is now preparing the technical specifications afterwich the same will be discussed with the ZCWD and DENR for finalization of plans.
Funding for the project will be included in the first supplemental budget for 2019.
Per initial assessment, Apolinario said the approximate length of the river from the intake to the diversion dam will be 800 linear meters with width at 30 linear meters. The proposed depth/ height of the impounding dam will be 6 meters.
The river volume is approximately 144,000,000 liters of water.
Apolinario said Mayor Climaco has instructed his office to start the construction of the mini water dams the soonest possible time following rules and regulations.
According to Apolinario, the construction of small water impounding dams was part of the city government’s short-term plan for strategies and mitigating measures (2016-2019) amid the scarcity of water supply in the city due to the dry spell.
The proposal was included in the Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LCCAP) 2016-20130 and Addendum LCCAP 2017-2019 as approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod through Resolution No. 1150 dated Sept. 30, 2015. The original plan is to construct 2 mini impounding dams but Mayor Climaco has directed the construction of 5 dams – 3 in Pasonanca river and 2 in the Saaz River in Patalon, Apolinario added. (Sheila Covarrubias)