VALENZUELA CITY — Two more water pumps were installed in Wawang Pulo Pumping Station in Valenzuela City.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon stated these two additional pieces of equipment can pump water from the Polo River to the Meycauayan River.

“Nagpa-pump siya ng 5,000 liters additional, 5,000 liters per second from Polo River sa Valenzuela, palabas ng Meycauayan River dito sa Bulacan,” he said

[“It can pump 5,000 liters additional, 5,000 liters per second from Polo River in Valenzuela, going to Meycauayan River here in Bulacan.”]

The Secretary also noted that previously, the water from the Polo River couldn’t flow, making the flood-related concern highly critical.

“Critical na critical ito kasi yung baha sa Valenzuela. Mostly in the past nanggagaling sa pagpasok ng tubig sa Bulacan River dito sa Meycauayan River at hindi na ilalabas yung tubig from the Polo River,” he said

Aside from Wawang Pulo, nine pumping stations in the city are expected to operate and function next month.

Dizon also revealed that several pumping stations in Metro Manila are not connected to Meralco.

“Nalaman ko lang several months ago, yung palang mga pumping stations sa Metro Manila, marami dito, kaya hindi gumagana kasi hindi konektado sa Meralco. I think more than half hindi konektado sa Meralco. Genset lang ang nagpapatakbo,” he said 

[“I only found out several months ago, those pumping stations in Metro Manila, many here, cannot function because it’s not connected to Meralco. I think more than half is not connected in Meralco. Only the genset runs the operations.”]

The Local Government Unit (LGU) also guaranteed to shoulder the operations and maintenance of the water pumping station.

So ngayon, LGU will guarantee, konektado siya sa Meralco, will guarantee yung maintenance nito. Yung operational expense, LGU na rin ang magbabayad. Para masisigurado natin na tuloy-tuloy ang operation at hindi masisira,” he added

[“So now, the LGU will guarantee that it will connect to Meralco, will guarantee the maintenance. The operational expense, the LGU will pay to ensure the continuous operation and prevent damage.”]

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.