The Department of Public Works and Highways-Zamboanga (DPW-9) is expediting the repair of several riprap or slope protection projects at the Tumaga River in Zamboanga City before the city experiences flooding due to La Niña.

DPWH-9 admitted that the old slope protection structures were easily damaged during floods.

“Ang design po tow lang siya , wala siyang sheet pipe, hindi na niya ma withstand yung tubig. So yung mga matagal ng slope protection structures na kinonstruct several years ago papalitan,” DPWH-9 Director, Cayamombao Dia, said.

However, DPWH-9 said the slope protection structures being built currently are more sturdy as they will be established as a dike.

“Gagawin siyang dike na ang design niya malapad sa taas parang ang design po naming ay parang crest, sa top ng dike ay 4-5 meters para pwede din po siyang gamitin in the future na maging daan,” Dia added.

Some residents living near the river have expressed worry after the state weather bureau PAGASA declared the onset of the rainy season.

“Actually, nabalaka kame apan katung usa ka adlaw nagbaha kame mismo nga resiente dinhi nagtinabangay, sama atung mixer nagtinabangay mi aron dili makuyog sa baha,” one of the residents, Anabel Ordinisa, said.