DPWH: Malabon flood control project done by November

Flood-prone Malabon City entered the new school year burdened by its old problem of flooding. Students are among the most affected. According to a report on GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation," the megadike flood control project for Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela has been on hold for over two years. Nearly 1 kilometer of the total 8.6 km length has been left undone, but the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects it to finally be completed this November.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV In 2008, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando said the megadike would reduce flooding in Metro Manila by over 80 percent. But the project hit a snag when the DPWH and Malabon disagreed on who gets to repair the dike. In 2009, tropical storm Feria brought floods that prompted volunteers to take it upon themselves to temporarily repair the dike in Sitio Gulayan, Malabon. Another problem, GMA reporter Cedric Castillo said, is the navigation gate which causes flooding as it keeps water from Manila Bay from flowing into the Navotas River. The DPWH said when this gate is done by August or September, the flood problem, especially in Malabon, will be completely solved. — BC/ELR/VS, GMA News