Bulacan Gov’t Pushes for Replacement of Bustos Dam’s Rubber Gates
The provincial government of Bulacan is urging for the immediate replacement of all six rubber gates at Bustos Dam. This call comes after one of the gates sustained damage, raising concerns about the safety of the others.
Officials fear that leaving the gates as they are may lead to more serious problems. Because of this, the issue has been brought to the attention of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for urgent intervention.
Need for Stronger Materials
Bulacan officials stress that the replacement gates should use stronger, more durable materials. This step aims to prevent future damage and ensure the dam’s long-term safety.
Meanwhile, the NIA has confirmed that it is working on resolving the problem. However, funding remains a key challenge delaying repair efforts.
Flood Warning and Damage Cause
Earlier, some local governments in Bulacan warned residents about potential flooding following the damage to Gate 3 of Bustos Dam. The government explained that hot weather caused the air inside the gates to expand, resulting in leakage.
Despite this, officials clarified that the current water level in the Angat River, from Bustos to Calumpit, remains low. They noted that the 2.38-meter water flow downstream does not pose a threat at this time.
Return to Normal Water Flow
By Friday, water flow reverted to the usual low level and steady pace. This update brings some relief but does not lessen the urgency of fixing the damaged gate.
Bulacan had already issued a warning to the contractors last year, demanding the replacement of all six rubber bladders. Unfortunately, no action followed.
The provincial government continues to press for immediate repairs to protect residents and prevent future flooding.