Noy bares plans for 8-km dike in flood-prone Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines - As part of the national government’s effort to mitigate constant flooding in northern Metro Manila, President Aquino revealed yesterday that an eight-kilometer dike that will protect Valenzuela City from floodwaters from the Meycauayan River is already in the works.

He mentioned this as he congratulated Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and other local government officials, including his former girlfriend, Councilor Shalani Soledad-Romulo.

“The dike will measure eight kilometers and its construction will take two to three years. I’ll finish this in my term. It will cost around P2.2 billion,” he told victims at the evacuation center.

Aquino said this has been discussed with Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“The problems of Malabon, Navotas, Obando, Meycauayan, are connected. One of the solutions we are looking at is a dike that will surround the Meycauayan River,” he said.

Floodwaters will be blocked and diverted to a pumping station so that other municipalities will no longer be affected, particularly because all of the other towns are below sea level.

“We will meet with local government officials who will be affected by the project. We will agree on what we will do,” the President said.