The local government unit of Sibulan in Oriental Negros said it will finish the re-channeling project of Okoy River especially in its critical areas during the rainy season.

Mayor Antonio Renacia said the local government has allocated P600,000, and the province P1.7 million for the re-channeling of the river, particularly in Barangay Magatas.

In October last year, close to one hectare of agricultural land, houses and livestock were damaged by floods. Residents claimed that the quarry operation in Okoy River has affected the natural flow of the river.

The former agricultural land was converted into high cliffs because of the flood during the typhoon Melinyo.

Renacia said Congressman-elect George Arnaiz has already ordered the Provincial Engineer's Office to continue the re-channeling project. He vowed to continuously monitor the critical areas in Barangay Magatas, because if this is not addressed, it will affect more lives and livelihood in Magatas and the Poblacion area.

The mayor asked Sanguniang Bayan members to defer the lifting of the moratorium allowing quarry operation.

The 10-year moratorium to prohibit the quarrying operation in Okoy River was implemented in order to rehabilitate its original channel. Renacia said the moratorium can be lifted after the re-chanelling of the Okoy River.*MA

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