Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced plans to restore the damaged floodgate at the Paco Pumping Station to its original position within two weeks. The permanent and reinforced floodgate is projected to be completed in three months.
According to Philippines News Agency, the floodgate was damaged during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan over the weekend. Secretary Vince Dizon discovered the damage during an inspection following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to assess and repair infrastructure damaged by the typhoon in Metro Manila.
Dizon noted that the floodgate was compromised after a surge of water from the Pasig River exceeded 12 meters on the night of November 9. While the cause of the damage is under investigation, the department plans to collaborate with Korean consultants for a more robust repair.
“Everything is working. Of course, it won’t be operational until the floodgate is fixed in its permanent position. But in the meantime, our Korean consultants are already working on a plan to have the floodgate built,” Dizon stated.
The project is currently under a two-year defects and liability period after its rehabilitation in 2024, meaning the government will not incur repair costs. “We can return the gate to its permanent position. So, it is included in the contractor’s warranty period, a 2-year warranty. It was only turned over in 2024, so it is only one year. So, there is no cost to the government. The contractor will do it. He said 14 days, we are speeding it up,” Dizon added.
