AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is confident that they would be able to finish the Kamanava Flood Control Project by December 2009.

Macariola Bartolo, the project director, said they will meet the deadline as the project is now 90 percent completed.

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

"During our last staff meeting held at Clark last month, Secretary (Hermogenes) Ebdane issued a general instruction to everyone to complete all the projects identified under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (Sona) on or before December this year. The Secretary was clear when he said that there would be no deadline extension," she said.

She reported that the infrastructure including the five pumping stations, namely: Maysilo in Kalookan; Bangkulasi, Northern Navotas and Spine in Navotas; and Catmon in Malabon have been completed by Nishimatsu Construction Co Ltd.

The pumping stations have been operational since September last year after conducting the dry-run two years ago since Navotas is already flood free.

She also commended the efforts of Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco for making sure that their local projects would complement the flood mitigation endeavor.

At present, the department is constructing the supporting structures, the polder dikes that are elevated by 12.6 meters and in 8.6 kilometers in length.

Aside from building structures, they will also conduct river improvement works, dredging, and river widening.

Flood has been a perennial problem in the northern part of Metro Manila wherein floodwaters last for several months or even years but once the project is fully operational, it would help water to quickly subside and looking to reduce from 2.5 meters in height to just ankle level.

The project will be turned over to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for operations and maintenance.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) funded the project, which was set to be completed in four years, or by 2007 but was delayed after encountering problems on illegal settlers, utilities, and formal or private owners. (FP/Sunnex)