A project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and built in Imus, Cavite was turned over to the Cavite provincial government on Tuesday.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, including Interior and Local Government Secretarry Jonvic Remulla and officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency led the turnover rites for the Imus Retarding Basin worth P2.4 billion.

The retarding basin aims to protect Cavite from severe flooding with the two off-site retarding basins temporarily delaying flood run-off before its gradual release to the Imus River, keeping downstream communities safer and mitigating flood damage to infrastructure, agriculture, personal properties and even loss of lives. the government-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) said.

Dizon said before the construction of the facility, floods in the area are chest-deep.

“Don’t just take our word for it; perhaps you should speak to the residents of Imus so they can tell you themselves,” he added, PNA reported.

The project, finished in 2023, covers 35 hectares — roughly equivalent to 49 soccer fields. It can hold up to 1.12 million cubic meters of water, or the equivalent of approximately 448 Olympic-sized swimming pools, PNA added. PHS