The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways, and local government units are collaborating on strategies to address the damaged navigational gate of the Malabon-Navotas River.
On June 7, a barge forcefully entered the channel from the sea, causing damage to the navigation gate in Barangay Tanza Uno in Navotas City.
Currently, the local governments of Navotas and Malabon are working to mitigate the effects of flooding in some areas of their cities.
Several barangays in Malabon are experiencing flooding, especially during high tides, due to the malfunctioning gate.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval reported that flooded areas include Barangays Hulong Duhat and Dampalit, as well as Tañong and Concepcion, with some residents experiencing 2-meter-high floods.
Sandoval is hoping for an immediate solution and the need to plan for a long-term fix, as well as discussing financing options for the long-term solution.
“What we need to discuss is how to finance the long term solution,” she said.
In Navotas, residents of Barangay Tanza are also experiencing flooding, and the local government is currently placing sandbags in low-lying areas as a short-term solution.
MMDA officials, led by Chairman Don Artes, have inspected and assessed the damaged gate to determine the issue and plan for repairs. After consulting with the DPWH and local government officials, they agreed to use a crane to temporarily lift the flood gate.
Meanwhile, the Metro Ship Builders and Ship Repairers Association will convene to release ships from the shipyard if the navigational gate cannot be lowered to the open position and becomes closed during construction repair.
Local officials in Navotas will also meet fishing boat operators to inform them of the actions to be taken at the navigational gate.
The MMDA plans to implement a new policy for the entry and exit of ships and boats in the river to prevent future damage.
Chairman Artes mentioned the possibility of holding the owners of the boat and tugboat responsible for the damage.