DPWH, Noveleta LGU inspect ongoing flood control works in Cavite

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), together with the local government of Noveleta, Cavite, inspected ongoing works under the P22-billion Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project, a large-scale initiative aimed at easing long-standing inundation problems in industrial and residential zones of the province.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain joined Noveleta Mayor Davey R. Chua, Vice Mayor Dino Carlos R. Chua, and other officials during the site visit to the San Juan Diversion Channel, one of the project’s centerpiece structures. Measuring 75 meters wide and 2.6 kilometers long, the channel is designed to divert floodwaters from the San Juan River and its tributaries, reducing overflow in low-lying areas.

According to Sadain, construction of the diversion channel and other related works under Contract Package 1 has reached 27.21% completion. Other project components include improvements along the Rio Grande River (22.6% complete), Ylang-Ylang River (33.89% complete), and Maalimango Creek and Diversion works (54.98% complete).

The flood control program also includes a comprehensive resettlement initiative for affected families, with nearly 96% completion of 887 housing units in Barangays San Rafael II and III. Each unit comes with basic utilities, road access, and drainage systems to ensure safe relocation.

Funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Loan Agreement No. PH-P265, the project is slated for full completion by 2029. Officials emphasized that the use of Japanese engineering practices — including diversion structures and retarding basins — is key to managing heavy rainfall and mitigating flood risks in rapidly urbanizing Cavite.

Mayor and Vice Mayor Chua expressed strong support for the project, citing visible improvements in flood management during recent typhoons. “These interventions have already reduced the extent and duration of flooding in our barangays. We are optimistic this project will bring lasting protection for our people,” they said.

DPWH added that the Cavite effort builds on earlier flood control successes in General Trias and Imus, where retarding basins have proven effective in reducing water overflow during severe storms.