Repair of navigational gate pushed

OFFICIALS of Malabon and Navotas urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hasten the repair of the Malabon-Navotas River navigational gate, as the two cities reeled from torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.

Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Rep. Tobias Tiangco and Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said the unrepaired structure exacerbated the floods triggered by the inclement weather.

The navigational gate was damaged when a fishing boat was forcibly towed through it in June. The incident resulted in the flooding of villages in the two cities.

A DIFFICULT DAY A group of men carries a motorbike on a flooded street in Malabon City, on July 24, 2024. PHOTO BY RENE H DILAN

Sandoval, during a meeting with MMDA and DPWH officials, proposed long-term solutions that will keep the navigational gate functioning despite man-made operational errors and natural disasters.

The lawmaker said the better option is to construct a similar structure as a backup.

Tiangco added that an upgrade was necessary because the gate was being overtopped during high tides of 1.8 to 2.1 meters.

Advertisement

«This was in the original design but was not built due to lack of funds, and it is necessary to build a second navigational gate to ensure we have a functioning backup in case the other one is damaged or in need of repair. While we have sustained efforts in mitigating the effects of this damage, we want to ensure proper repairs are initiated at the soonest,» the mayor said.

Tiangco added that the 81 pumping stations strategically built around Navotas were all working to remove excess water from stormwater drainage systems during heavy rainfall or flooding events.