The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now working with the local executives of the National Capital Region in coming up with a drainage master plan amids the persistent flooding problem in Metro Manila.
MMDA chairperson Don Artes said the goal is to have an integrated drainage system with a synchronized measurement that falls under the parameter of efficient outflow of water in the metropolis.
Commuters wade through floodwaters on Taft Ave after heavy rains were experienced on Saturday night, July 29, 2023. (Juan Carlo de Vela)
“We will ensure that this drainage masterplan is interconnected among all the local government units with the right measurement so that we will have a uniform drainage system in Metro Manila,”said Artes in a press briefing on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
The drainage master plan for Metro Manila they are crafting, according to Artes, will have a lifespan of at least 50 years.
Drainage problem
The crafting of the NCR drainage master plan appeared to have stemmed from assessment and observation on the issues of interconnectivity and difference in measurement of drainage systems in some of the LGUs.
Artes made the announcement on the plan amid criticisms on the effectiveness of the flood control projects in Metro Manila due to the recent flooding incidents in some of the the metropolis in the past days.
The official stressed that the flood control projects in Metro Manila are effective as he pointed to the pumping stations situated in various strategic points of NCR.
The main problem, according to Artes, is that the drainage system in most parts of Metro Manila are either clogged mostly because of the garbage, or too small to accommodate huge volume of flood water.
As a result, he said it usually takes time before the flood water reaches the pumping station.
The pumping stations push flood water either to Pasig River or to Manila Bay.
The San Juan experience
San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council chairperson Francis Zamora, on the other hand, had a different experience during their floof control operations in the city.
During the assessment of all drainage systems in San Juan with the help of the barangay officials, Zamora said they found out that there were already concrete pavement and other structures erected in some of the drainage systems.
“So we will start demolishing cemented areas which are covering the drainage system in San Juan,” said Zamora.
On the part of the local residents who erected houses and other structures right on the drainage path, Zamora said they have already agreed to have them relocated.
Appeal
Artes then appealed to the public to refrain from littering in Metro Manila and to dispose of their garbage properly.
“Our LGUs have an effective garbage collection system. The problem is that there are some people who do not dispose of their trash properly,” said Artes.
He said that public cooperation and discipline remains an integral part in addressing flooding problems in Metro Manila.