Construction of the Sta. Rita Small Reservoir Irrigation Project –Earthfill Dam has been completed, according to the most recent report of the Regional Development Council VIII-Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RDC VIII-RPMC) based on their field monitoring visit on 28 July 2021.

The dam has a 13.30 million cu. m. capacity and will service 764 farmer beneficiaries over 960 hectares, covering Brgys. Maligaya, San Eduardo, Tominamos-I, Tulay, Camayse, Anibongon Sitio Ormocanay, and Gumamela Sitio Kadaragan in Sta. Rita, Samar.

Construction was completed despite challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, full coverage of the irrigable area has yet to be realized pending the completion of third level farm facilities.

Third level canals are defined as the irrigation facilities from which farmers directly withdraw water into their farmlands.

Originally, the third level facilities were to be shouldered by individual farmers. However, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) VIII has endeavored to request funds for the construction of the tertiary level canals. So far, they have prepared the necessary documents to facilitate the request.

Starting construction in March 2014, the dam was completed in May of this year.

Meanwhile, irrigation projects in Basey, Samar were also completed early this year.

These were the construction of a 2.194 km concrete canal lining and 24 units of canal structures; installation of 1,444 sq.m of Coconet & Vetiver and 64.80 m of Cocolog; and repair of 1.175 km concrete canal and installation of 4 units of steelgates.

Article and Photos by:  Knulp Aseo, DRD/ Prisco Boco III, PMED