MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing the full repair and operations of the damaged Malabon-Navotas River navigational gate by next month, said MMDA acting chairman Don Artes on Friday.
The floodgate was damaged last June after a barge forcefully passed through the channel, resulting in flooding in some areas.
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In a press conference, Artes said that the Department of Public Works and Highways will complete the dredging activity of the river in the portion of the navigational gate on August 2.
It will be followed by the fabrication and installation of the necessary pieces for the repairs from August 3 to 16, and resumption to full operations the following day.
“The repairs will be done while the navigational gate is in an open position and during low tide so that flooding will be minimized,” said Artes.
He noted that this timeline might still change depending on weather conditions.
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“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,” Artes said.
Navotas representative Tobias “Toby” Tiangco, who was also present at the press conference, said a P299 million budget has been allotted for the rehabilitation of the navigational gate.