Damaged Cupang Dike threatens four Pampanga areas

A damaged section of the Cupang Dike in Barangay Cupang, Arayat is threatening four areas in Pampanga, with officials warning the structure faces a “high risk of structural failure” if rehabilitation is delayed.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) confirmed that an inspection revealed an 110-meter-long section of the setback levee in the Arayat area has manifested severe cracks and settlement.

District Engineer Alfie Lejarde noted in his report that the main dike’s deterioration is attributed to a combination of factors, including aging and gradual weakening over time. Lejarde specifically cited structural fatigue caused by the repeated use of the road dike as a lay-by for heavy equipment and trucks.

Natural elements, such as the scouring effect from rapid water flow and swirling floodwaters, have also led to oversaturation and soil instability.

“It is evident that the main road dike and concrete slope protection has been severely compromised,” the report disclosed. “Immediate action is necessary to prevent further damages, especially with seasonal weather variations and fluctuating river levels.”

The Arayat Section of the setback levee was first damaged on 4 December, prompting the DPWH Pampanga 1st DEO to deploy a roadside maintenance team, set up barricades, and assist the public.

The damaged portion showed a total of 110 linear meters of cracks, approximately 0.70 meters in width, and a settlement of about 0.60 meters from its original elevation.

The gravity of the situation prompted local officials to appeal directly to national leadership. Arayat Mayor Jeffrey Luriz and Pampanga First District Representative Mica Gonzales conducted a joint on-site inspection with DPWH regional engineers following reports of the large cracks.

They appealed to Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to take swift action on the critical flood deterrent infrastructure, warning that its failure could pose danger and massive damage to thousands of families in several municipalities.

Luriz and Gonzales suggested that the DPWH repair the dike “by administration,” a move that allows the agency direct oversight of the construction work.