The national government is working hand-in-hand with the local government units (LGUs) for the completion of repair of a damaged navigational gate of the Malabon-Navotas River next month.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Friday, July 19, that it has agreed with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Navotas and Malabon LGUs to hasten the repairs of a floodgate of the Malabon-Navotas River.
The navigational gate in Barangay Tanza Uno, Navotas City was damaged in June after a barge forcefully entered the channel despite the occurrence of low tide.
Based on the agreed timeline, the DPWH shall complete the dredging activity of the river in the portion of the navigational gate by August 2. From August 3 to 16, the fabrication and installation of the necessary pieces for the repairs shall be set. Finally, the navigational gate shall be set to be fully operational by August 17.
“The repairs will be done while the navigational gate is in an open position and during low tide so that flooding will be minimized,” MMDA acting Chairman Don Artes said.
“However, weather conditions and water current are factors in the immediate repair of the gate. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there will be no weather disturbance or unusual current while repairs are ongoing,” he added.
Navotas Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco said a P299 million budget has been allotted for 2024 for the rehabilitation of the navigational gate, which will now be used for its repairs following the damage.
“Fortunately, we have the funding which is supposedly for its rehabilitation,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Artes said Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has also suggested tapping the fund of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) disaster fund to augment the budget to hasten the repairs.
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said they were working to mitigate the effects of flooding in some areas of their cities since the period of July to September is high tide season.
The Navotas City mayor said that immediate repairs to the navigational gate are critical for the residents and shipyard industry as several barangays in Malabon and Navotas are experiencing flooding, especially during high tides, due to the malfunctioning gate.
Officials said they will study the possibility of holding the owners of the boat and tugboat at fault as responsible for the damage to the floodgate.