Bulacan gov’t appeals for replacement of 6 Bustos Dam gates

The provincial government of Bulacan has called for the replacement of the six rubber gates of Bustos Dam after one of its gates was damaged.

According to an Unang Balita report on Monday, the Bulacan government expressed worry that other gates would be damaged and it would lead to more serious incident.

The matter has been relayed to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for swift action.

For the Bulacan government, stronger materials should be used for the replacement of the six rubber gates in Bustos dam.

The NIA said the agency is already taking steps to address the issue but it is facing a challenge in funding.

Some local governments in Bulacan earlier warned residents of possible flooding after Gate 3 of Bustos Dam was damaged.

Bustos Dam’s Gate 3 was damaged due to hot weather that normally caused the compressed air or gas inside to expand and eventually caused the leakage, the Bulacan government said over the weekend.

"With reference to the present water level of Angat River from Bustos towards Calumpit, it is within yellow markings or low level status,” it said.

“Thus, the release of 2.38 mts. flowing to the stretch of Angat River towards Calumpit will not cause alarm," it added.

The flow of water went back to the normal low level status and normal speed of flowing on Friday, according to the provincial government.

The Bulacan government said that in 2022 it gave an ultimatum to the contractors to replace all six rubber bladders of Bustos Dam “but to no avail.” —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News