MALOLOS CITY—The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is set to bid the P152-million reconstruction of the Bulo Dam in San Miguel, Bulacan before the end of the year.
This came as NIA-Region III officials disclosed that feasibility studies for the reconstruction of the dam that was breached about a year ago will be completed by the end of this month.
Engineer Angelo Logo, head of planning and design division of NIA-III told members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan on Wednesday that they are “moving heaven and earth” for the immediate reconstruction of the dam.
Located in San Miguel town, the earth diked Bulo Dam was breached on September 27 last year when typhoon Pedring dumped heavy rains in the province.
Logo assured the SP headed by Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando that the feasibility study on the dam will be completed this month.
He said that detailed design for the dam will follow, and once approved, NIA will prepare the program of works.
“We are confident that the program of works will be completed by November for the bidding on December,” Logo said.
He added that NIA has prepared a total of P152-M for the reconstruction of the dam.
For his part, Engineer Juanito Jampil of NIA-Bulacan said that construction of the Bulo Dam will immediately start by January for the immediate implementation of the project during the summer months.
Jesus Perez, another official of NIA-Bulacan, said that the summer months are an opportune time for the reconstruction of the dam noting that the country is expected to experience El Nino phenomenon starting this month up to the first quarter of next year.
Earlier, NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said that reconstruction of Bulo was made a priority of NIA to secure safety of residents San Miguel town, especially, those at the downstream of the dam.
Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado said that the rehabilitation of the Bulo Dam will reduce incidents of flashfloods in San Miguel.
Earlier this year, at least two flashflood incidents were recorded in the said town due to the absence of the Bulo Dam dike that used to hold water.