HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez has directed the House Committee on Appropriations to provide immediate funding for the repair of the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate in Navotas City, which was damaged last June and worsened flooding in Metro Manila during Typhoon Carina.
Romualdez inspected the damaged floodgate Thursday afternoon, along with Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, other lawmakers and local officials.
“The recent typhoon exposed critical weaknesses in our infrastructure and the damaged Navotas floodgate significantly worsened flooding in Metro Manila. Immediate action is essential,” Romualdez said Friday in a statement.
“We must immediately allocate the necessary funds to repair and reinforce the gate to withstand future typhoons and protect our communities,” he added.
The House leader pointed out that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally inspected the gate and instructed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite repairs.
“The President has rightly pointed out the urgent need to fix the Navotas floodgate. We, in the House, will ensure the necessary funds are available without delay,” he said.
Tiangco said the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate could have prevented severe flooding in Navotas and surrounding areas on Wednesday.
Navotas operates 81 pumping stations, but the gate was damaged by a barge last June, allowing seawater to enter communities during high tide, and reducing the effectiveness of the pumping stations.
The MMDA, which operates the floodgates, estimates that full repairs might take until August. (PNA)
