The three pumping stations built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have dramatically reduced the flooding in the low-lying areas of Bocaue and Marilao towns in Bulacan to manageable levels.

DPWH Bulacan First Engineering chief Henry Alcantara said the first pumping station worth P49.494 million has eased Barangays Bunlo and Lolomboy from extremely high floods during heavy rains.

On the other hand, the second and third pumping stations, worth P49.499 million and and P92.581 respectively, also reduced the flooding in Barangays Binang First and portions of Marilao town.

Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez explained that the pumping stations had completed the other flood control projects of the DPWH as it “pumps away large volumes of water’’ that prevented water from rising to dangerous levels in the affected areas.

The flooding situation in the said areas are extremely unbearable at times when typhoons or heavy rains occur simultaneously during high tide rendering many roadways like the Manila North Road (MNR), a major link of Metro Manila to Central Luzon, virtually rendering some of its sections impassable.

Aside from reducing floodwater in the low-lying areas, Hernandez noted that the pumping stations are valuable in efficiently transporting and distributing water that may be used for human, industrial and agricultural purposes.

The maintenance work done by the DPWH in the dilapidated portions on the MNR have become more manageable with flood water subsiding much quicker.

As reported by Engineer Claudine Magdalene Soriano, the P92.63 million preventive maintenance work on the damaged portions of the is ahead of schedule.

Currently the repair at the MNR Malolos, Bulacan portion accomplishment rating is at 78.90 percent compared to the target of 70.20 percent for a positive slippage of 8.70 percent.

Slippage is an engineering term that refers to the work progress accomplishment rating in the implementation of infrastructure projects stipulated in the contract.

In case of delays, the implementing agency may call for a meeting with the contractor to determine the possible causes that led to the slow progress of the construction work like road right-of-way disputes, peace and order situation woes, bad weather conditions among others.

The project involves the 546 meter asphalt overlay, reconstruction of concrete pavement in the 2.46 lane kilometer and building of the 343 lineal meter drainage canal on the roadway.

Being an alternate route of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Hernandez pointed out that the preventive maintenance work along the MNR eases traffic congestion, provides the public with a more comfortable travel and minimizes the possible incidents of vehicular accidents.

In addition, Hernandez noted that the completion of the MNR repair will facilitate the delivery of products to nearby areas leading to an economic boom especially as the Holiday season approaches.

Reports disclosed that the MNR concrete reblocking progress is now at 90 percent, rehabilitation of the drainage canal is 80 percent done with the asphalt overlay work starting on Nov. 21.

‘Reblocking (being undertaken) along Malolos Flyover Service Road, selected critical sections and Grand Royale intersection. Construction of drainage canal along Industrial City as additional outfall for Manila Road Road Tikay (Malolos) section,’’ Soriano stated in the report.

With the extensive road work in progress, Alcantara appealed to the motorists and commuters traversing the MNR to bear with the temporary inconvenience as government infrastructure projects are being implemented to provide the public with the more ideal travel experience.

He issued the call after his office and the DPWH in general was subjected to numerous complaints ranging from muddy lanes during heavy rains and dusty roadways under the scorching heat of the sun.

Alcantara maintained that unfavorable situations are inevitable during road works, adding that the completion of government infrastructure projects benefits the public in the long run.

The DPWH Bulacan First Engineering District Office covers the first, second and fifth congressional districts of the province. (Chito A. Chavez)