The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said flood mitigation programs and initiatives will be undertaken in identified flood-prone areas in Metro Manila, following a coordination meeting with representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units in Metro Manila recently.
In a press briefing, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said three pumping stations have been constructed and expected to address flooding problems along Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, Malate, Manila.
“Installation of power supply is ongoing at the pumping stations in Remedios and Abad, and is set to be completed by June.”
“Installation of power supply is ongoing at the pumping stations in Remedios and Abad, and is set to be completed by June, while the one in Padre Faura is nearing completion and will be turned over to the agency by July,” Artes said.
“Should pumping stations be insufficient, we have agreed to open the floodgates of the sewerage treatment plant in Manila Bay.”
Should pumping stations be insufficient, the MMDA chief said they have agreed to open the floodgates of the sewerage treatment plant in Manila Bay as needed so that flood water will flow freely and recede quickly in flooded areas.
The Sunog Apog Pumping Station, which is also being constructed along San Diego Street in Manila, is expected to reduce flooding along España Boulevard.
The DPWH is also planning to construct four pumping stations at Tatalon, Dona Imelda, and 2 in Roxas District, which, once completed, will address flooding problems along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.
Moreover, construction of a series of detention ponds is being proposed inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The MMDA intends to shoulder the cost of the repair of one of the pumps of a station in Mandaluyong to expedite its repair and address flooding in Maysilo Circle.
A drainage improvement is being undertaken in Caloocan City, which is the cause of localized flooding in the area.
Meanwhile, all the agency’s 71 pumping stations are fully operational, with 36 of them being upgraded under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project.
The MMDA also regularly conducts the cleanup of drainage, creeks, and other waterways as another flood mitigation measure.