The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) appealed to residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) to observe proper waste disposal amid the agency’s early preparations to address flooding in anticipation of La Niña.

While flood mitigation measures have been stepped up in the past weeks, Artes said flooding may still be experienced in some areas mostly due to improper waste disposal.

“We continue to appeal to the public to dispose of garbage responsibly. If these trash will clog up drainage systems which are already outmoded, it will still result in flooding and traffic,” said Artes.

Artes said their clean-up drive and maintenance activities of pumping stations have been stepped up as part of the flood control measures, especially that weather experts have already warned of the adverse effects of La Niña.

The MMDA has identified 80 flood-prone areas across Metro Manila.

Since January to May 12 this year, MMDA personnel have cleaned 199,571 linear meters from its continuous regular maintenance activities such as declogging of drainage laterals, desilting of drainage mains, and dredging of waterways.

Artes also assured that all 71 pumping stations maintained by the MMDA are all operational.

“We also installed 163 trash traps along waterways while 28 others are installed at the pumping stations,” said Artes.

Aside from the regular interventions made by the MMDA, LGUs, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Artes said they have been proposing for the formulation of a drainage master plan which will cover the entire NCR and ensure that drainage systems are interconnected and appropriately sized to withstand volume of rainwater for the next decades.

The agency is set to sit down with the DPWH, LGUs, and dam operators to discuss recently identified areas with localized flooding, mitigation measures, and disaster preparedness and response to ensure readiness for the rainy season.