The Tangos-Tanza navigational gate was initially expected to be completed by Wednesday, 9 July; however, weather and tide levels continue to affect the welding quality of the damaged structure.

Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco said in a Facebook post that one of the main issues is that the welds are not holding properly due to rising seawater—especially during high tide—and isolated rain showers.

“The initial target was to complete it before the high tide on 9 July. However, according to the explanation given to us, the welded parts of the Navigational Gate by the DPWH-NCR contractor did not pass the welding test,” Tiangco said.

“This is because during rainfall and high tide, the areas being welded are hit by water, preventing the weld from properly bonding,” the post continued.

Tiangco added that the Department of Public Works and Highways – National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) has tapped a new welding team that understands the American Bureau of Shipping Standard, which is used for constructing structures that are often submerged in saltwater.

The new welding group has requested an additional two weeks to complete the repairs, as they have planned their work schedule around weather conditions and the timing of high and low tides.

As of Friday, Tiangco said the required Welding Procedure Specification, Procedure Qualification Record, and Welder Qualification Certificate have already been submitted. A third-party inspector will oversee the preheat and post-weld treatment to ensure that the American Bureau of Shipping Standard is being followed.

The Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate has been under repair since mid-May. It plays a vital role in preventing seawater from entering residential areas in Malabon and Navotas.