The flood control projects that the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged for delays in 2021 were already completed this year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) disclosed on Sunday, July 3.
The MMDA, through its head of Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO Baltazar Melgar issued the statement to do away with speculations as to the reasons behind the delay of 59 flood control projects that caught the attention of COA in its report.
Melgar, who is currently the officer-in-charge of the MMDA being the most senior career official, cited some reasons why the projects were delayed.
First, he said it was due to the delayed procurement due to the Covid-19 pandemic and second, was the late or pending issuance of clearances from local government units and other concerned government offices.
"There were also issues on right-of-way, the relocation of informal settler families and change in order due to additional items/realignment of activities based on current situation/conditions on site upon implementation," said Melgar.
He added that restrictions on worker and equipment mobility brought by the pandemic also became a big factor in the delay.
In its report, COA flagged the delay and cited that the projects were only minor ones like pipe-laying, drainage and riverbank improvements, and rehabilitation of waterways leading to agency-operated pumping stations.
But Melgar said the projects have big impact on the flooding in Metro Manila.
"These flood mitigating projects are operational and serviceable this year. Now that we are slowly returning to normal following measures and restrictions to curb COVID-19, we are reassessing and recalibrating our processes to ensure timely completion of our flood control projects," said Melgar.
This rainy season, Melgar said, all pumping stations of the agency are working at full capacity, with the necessary power and fuel in place.
The agency operates 77 pumping stations in strategic locations in Metro Manila.
"Also, flood-mitigation activities aimed at declogging and cleaning up waterways such as creeks and esteros are conducted all-year-round with the aim of maximizing the conveyance capacity of open waterways and prevent flooding," said Melgar.