Angat Dam rehabilitation to include setting up of weather stations

MALOLOS CITY , Philippines – The impending rehabilitation of Angat Dam will not only reinforce its dikes but also install weather stations in the municipalities along the Angat River. 

Speaking at his weekly radio program aired over Radyo Bulacan, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado said the P5.7-billion budget for the rehabilitation project also includes the installation of rain gauges and early warning system. 

Alvarado said rain gauges are key to measuring the amount of rainfall that will flow into the rivers while weather stations will measure wind speed and air temperature. 

“Both are important elements in providing early warning to our people in case of heavy rains like Ondoy and the southwest monsoon,” he said. 

He said communication facilities would be upgraded with the installation of early warning system. 

Alvarado said riverbanks along Angat River will be fortified to avoid soil erosion and overtopping of floodwaters especially in low lying areas. 

“Bulacan is grateful to President Aquino for providing funds for the Angat rehabilitation project,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Rodolfo German, engineer of the National Power Corp., which manages the dam, said last week that bidding for the rehabilitation of the dam will be held within this month. 

German said the completion of the project is expected in 2017.