The German Development Cooperation started yesterday a two-day roundtable strategic planning on the establishment of the Local Flood Early Warning System in Valencia and Sibulan towns, and in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

GIZ senior adviser Allen Molen said it is important for officials of the three LFEWS beneficiaries to come up with a strategy and have a layout of the community-based hazard maps, and assess the political, financial, social, natural, physical and economic assets.

He said it is also important to determine the socio-political situation in these areas as it may hinder or enhance the establishment of the flood warning system. He said GIZ will provide the system, but will keep away from being politicized.

The LFEWS will consist of one telemeter rain gauge, telemeter water pressure and date center. Molen said the transmission of data will be done through radio frequency because it has been proven to be easier, more effective and reliable.

Negros Oriental project adviser Antonio Balang Jr., who facilitated the discussion with Molen, had said earlier that Valencia, Sibulan and Dumaguete have been identified as beneficiaries as they are prone to flooding. The project will be installed before the election ban for next year’s polls.

The meeting at Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete City was attended by representatives from the provincial and city Disaster Risk Reduction Management councils, and planning officers of the three local government units.

The GIZ has allocated two LFEWS to monitor the flow of water from the Okoy and Banica rivers coming from the mountains of Valencia. There is also a plan to include Bacong town since floodwaters in Dumaguete City come from the area.*MA

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