Gov. Roel Degamo is set to lift the suspension order against quarrying operations in some rivers in Negros Oriental that were not affected by heavy flooding due to tropical storm Sendong.
The Governor had earlier ordered a temporary suspension of all quarry operations in the province following the devastation caused by heavy flooding in Okoy, Banica and Tanjay Rivers.
The assessment and recommendation report from the Environment & Natural Resources Division is the basis for the lifting of the suspension order.
Governor Degamo clarified that the lifting of the suspension order is only for quarry operations.
All permit-holders with quarry operations in some parts of the province not affected by flood will resume as soon as the lifting order will be signed by Governor Degamo.
The ENRD has submitted the technical assessment report on the areas that were greatly damaged by flood. The recommendation in the assessment report requires immediate rechanneling and dredging of river beds in order to prevent the overflow during heavy flooding.
Some critical areas are emphasized as priority areas for the dredging and rechanneling operations.
The Governor said the province will try to look for additional funds to build river control dikes in critical areas that will endanger lives and properties.
All mayors affected by the flood requested Governor Degamo to fast track the rechanneling, dredging and deepening of river banks as an immediate solution in order to prevent further damage in the event of future flooding.
Governor Degamo said the provincial government is now making all efforts to address the requests of the local chief executives and the communities affected. (PNA/JFP/Maricar Aranas)
