A P2 million early warning system for floods will soon be established by the German International Cooperation to monitor the rivers of Banica and Okoy in Dumaguete City, Sibulan and Valencia towns, in Negros Oriental.

Antonio Balang of GIZ–Negros Oriental said these areas have been identified as they are prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season. The project will be installed before the election ban for next year’s polls.

He said mayors Ricky Gonzalez of Valencia, Marcela Bartoces of Sibulan, and Manuel Sagarbarria of Dumaguete have been informed of the plan, and have expressed interest in the project as it will give the LGUs an advantage on disaster preparedness.

The project is funded by the Federal Government of Germany, and the LGU only has to contribute 10 percent, that can be in terms of transportation, accommodation during coordinating meetings, or other related services, Balang said.

Gonzalez said he is thankful to GIZ as Valencia cannot afford to install such expensive system, especially since the town is still rehabilitating infrastructures damaged by tropical storm “Sendong” in December 2011.

Bartoces said the project will help protect the people from loss of life and damage to properties.

Sagarbarria said they will meet with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to synergize the technologies offered by GIZ, and another by Smart Telecommunications.

He said both projects will be helpful to the city government, especially because floodwaters from Valencia drain off in Dumaguete.*MA

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