ILOILO CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo City District Engineering Office is making progress on a P49.4-million drainage project along JM Basa and Iznart Streets in the city proper to reduce flood risks in the area.
The project scope includes rehabilitating Plazoleta Gay, installing new curbs and gutters, and applying thermoplastic pavement markings.
According to supervising project engineer Dave Belarga, the two-sided drainage system currently has a physical completion rate of 15.71 percent.
This drainage will direct water from Iznart Street to a box culvert on Guanco Street, leading into the Iloilo River. Out of the planned 327 meters in length, 104 meters—or 30 percent of the project—has been completed.
The DPWH assured it will expedite construction to reopen the affected roads to traffic as soon as possible.
Belarga added that construction will temporarily pause in the second week of December to allow motorists smoother access during the Christmas season, Dinagyang Festival, and Chinese New Year in January.
Dengue cases surge in Iloilo Province
While drainage improvements are underway to help prevent flooding, dengue cases in Iloilo Province reached alarming levels, with the death toll rising to 32 since January, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon of IPHO reported a total of 10,846 dengue cases as of November. August alone recorded 17 deaths, with an additional four in September.
The youngest victim, from Guimbal, was 11 months old, while the oldest, an 80-year-old, was from San Dionisio. The municipality of Barotac Nuevo recorded the highest death toll at four, followed by Badiangan and Igbaras with three fatalities each.
The health office warns the public to remain vigilant as dengue poses a severe health risk across the province.
