Under a drizzle, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday inspected the ongoing repair of the navigational gate of the North Navotas Pumping Station (NNPS), which helps control floodwaters, especially during high tide and flood emergencies.
President Marcos was briefed by Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco on the flooding situation in the area as the Chief Executive checked the NNPS facility run by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
President Marcos ordered to speed up the repair of the navigational gate amid persistent rains that exacerbated flooding in low-lying barangays in Navotas City and Malabon.
According to Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the President also ordered the construction of retaining walls to prevent flooding in low-lying barangays during high tide.
“Kagaya ng inutos ng ating Presidente kanina na dapat mas bilisan namin ang pagpagawa ‘yung mga additional protection works na retaining walls dito sa may banda ng malapit sa Manila Bay para sa ganoon pagka natapos ‘yan, hindi na papasok at least ‘yung mga hightide sa loob,” Bonoan said.
The President proceeded with the inspection under a drizzle.
Engr. Michael Doce, chief of the Pumping Station and Flood Gates Division of the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO), explained that a pumping station controls the entry of seawater from Manila Bay, minimizing flood levels during high tide.
A vital component of the MMDA flood control and sewerage management process, the navigational gate can be closed to prevent seawater from entering inland communities.
“Once the gate is shut, the pumping station begins operation, discharging floodwaters back into Manila Bay,” Doce told the Presidential News Desk (PND).
“Hindi natin ma-prevent ang pagbaha pero pwede natin itong ma-minimize,” Doce added.
Doce said the inspection conducted by President Marcos will fast-track the repair work.
Engr. Flocy Ismael, chief of the NNPS, said the navigational gate was damaged on May 11 when a barge crashed into it.
Doce said the repair of the navigational gate is expected to be completed on Aug. 8 this year.
However, he noted that the duration of the navigational gate repair depends on weather conditions. | PND
