The Sibulan government is expected to rechannel Okoy River because of the possibility that it will again overflow during heavy rains and may cause flooding.

Councilor Gil Genaro Concepcion said the town allocated P600,000 for the project and P2 million was given by the Oriental Negros government.

At least three houses were swept away by rampaging flood waters during the recent typhoons, while owners also complained of illegal quarrying. By rechanneling the river, Concepcion said small-time quarries should also be banned.

He said the town is faced with two situations: prohibiting quarry operations at Okoy river which would result in zero income for the locality, or allowing it and expect complaints from the owners.

The rechanneling is expected along the stretch of Okoy river from Calabnugan, Magatas, Poblacion and Looc, Sibulan.

Meanwhile, Sibulan will host the Provincial Meet that will start on Jan. 27, but not at the Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City, which is undergoing repairs.

The venues are at the Magsaysay Elementary School grounds and quadrangle, Lamberto Macias Sports Complex, and the Aqua Center in Dumaguete.

Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia said the hosting of the provincial meet will benefit the municipality economically.*JG

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