The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will accelerate the repair of the damaged Paco Pumping Station, Secretary Vince Dizon announced Tuesday, November 11.

During his inspection, Dizon told reporters that the Paco Pumping Station’s floodgate was unable to carry the immense pressure of Typhoon Uwan. However, the actual cause of the damage remains unclear. Dizon said they will investigate the incident and check CCTV footage.

“More importantly, kailangan magawa natin ng mabilis, [at] mai-point natin ‘yung gate doon sa kanyang permanent position,” Dizon told reporters.

“Papalakasin natin ‘yung floodgate. After nung 14 days or less na pagpapagawa, mayroon namang additional na three months para gawin ‘yung permanent na solution natin na mas malakas na ‘yung gate,” he added.

According to Dizon, the damaged floodgate is a project funded by the World Bank.

The agency is targeting repairs within 14 days or less.

Moreover, Dizon said the agency’s consultant from South Korea told them that the given timeframe is viable for repairs, based on the plan and resources. The project also has a two-year warranty.

In the meantime, Dizon said they will coordinate with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes to prepare portable water pumps to provide aid to the 36 barangays affected by the damaged floodgate while repairs are ongoing.

“Sa mga naapektuhan, gagawin natin ang mabilis na solusyon para hindi maulit ‘yung nangyari noong nakaraang araw na tinamaan tayo ng [Bagyong] Uwan,” Dizon assured residents.

“Dahil nga nasira ‘to papasok pa lang si [Bagyong] Uwan noong nasira ‘to noong 10:00 PM nung Sunday. Dahil doon hindi gumana ‘yung pumps natin. Inaassure ko sila na magagawa natin ito ng pinakamabilis na panahon…hopefully in the next 10 to 14 days tapos na ito,” he added.

On Monday, the MMDA shared a series of photos showing the damaged floodgate at Paco Pumping Station during the onslaught of Typhoon Uwan.