Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval assured city residents that the city government is prioritizing their safety from heavy flooding by continuing the sandbagging operations on the collapsed Tullahan Riverwall, the city government announced on Friday, August 9.
(Photos from Malabon City Government/MANILA BULLETIN)
"Nitong nakaraang bagyo na nagdulot ng malakas pag-uulan, nasira ang Tullahan River wall na siya sanang nagsisilbing harang para mapigilan ang pagbabaha sa lungsod. Ngunit huwag ho kayong mag-alala dahil tayo po ay nagsagawa ng mga operasyon at nakipag-ugnayan sa mga kinauukulan upang maibsan at tuluyan ng maayos an gating problema sa pagbabaha at masiguro ang inyong kaligtasan (During the recent typhoon which brought heavy rainfall, the Tullahan River wall was damaged. This wall was meant to serve as a barrier to prevent flooding in the city. However, please don't worry. We have already carried out operations and coordinated with the relevant authorities to address and permanently resolve our flooding issues to ensure your safety),” Sandoval said.
“Sa ngayon ay nagsagawa tayo ng sandbagging para ating mapigilan ang pagpasok ng tubig at ating patitibayin ang mga ito. Prayoridad po natin ang kapakanan ng bawat Malabueño at ang kaayusan sa ating lungsod. Kaya makakaasa po kayo na tututukan natin ito at magsasagawa ng mga kinakailangang hakbang upang hindi na muling maapektuhan ng matinding pagbababaha ang lungsod (Currently, we are implementing sandbagging measures to prevent water from entering and are strengthening these barriers. The well-being of every Malabueño and the order in our city are our top priorities. Rest assured, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure that our city will not be severely affected by flooding again),” she added.
Sandoval along with the city department heads, held a meeting with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), on Wednesday, August 7, which focused on the urgent repair and upgrade of the river wall.
The meeting concentrated on allocating the Quick Response Fund, estimated between P30,000,000 and P40,000,000, specifically to address the damage to the river wall.
According to the City Engineering Department (CED), the river wall, which stretched approximately 64 meters, collapsed during the heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Carina, and the enhanced southwest monsoon and high tide.
In response, the city government quickly mobilized resources for an immediate damage assessment. To mitigate the risk of further flooding, they began reinforcing the riverwall with sandbags supported by bamboo sticks and nets.
(Photo from Malabon City Government/MANILA BULLETIN)
The sandbagging operations should be completed within two to three weeks, and have already reduced flooding in the area.
CED also emphasized its commitment to maintaining the operations for the safety of the residents. It added that one of the city’s flood mitigation strategies is the ongoing construction of the Acacia Pumping Station.
Meanwhile, Sandoval visited the site to inspect the ongoing construction of the Acacia Pumping Station, which is expected to be completed soon.
The CED also announced that the river wall will be enhanced with steel sheet piles, following the recommended design from the DPWH.
Once the local government receives its fund, sheet piles will be installed to enhance the river wall and it will be added with cement sheet caps to strengthen its structure, the CED added.
The CED added that the sandbagging will continue as a temporary solution, while other operations for the welfare of the residents will also be carried out.
“Patuloy tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensiya para sa pagpapabuti ng lungsod at sa pagpigil sa pagbabaha. Sisiguraduhinn natin na gagawin natin ang lahat, sa abot ng ating makakakaya, upang itong Tullahan River wall, kasama na ang Malabon-Navotas River navigational gate na naunang nang nasira noong Hulyo, ay maisasaayos at makakabuo rin tayo ng pangmatagalang solusyon laban sa baha dito sa Malabon (We will continue to coordinate with agencies to improve the city and prevent flooding. We are committed to doing everything in our power to repair the Tullahan River wall, along with the Malabon-Navotas River navigational gate, which was previously damaged last July. Our goal is to come up with a long-term solution to combat flooding here in Malabon),” the CED said.