Taft Avenue to be temporarily closed for major drainage clean-up
Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has ordered the temporary closure of Taft Avenue, both northbound and southbound, from U.N. Avenue to Nakpil Street, starting 11 p.m. on Monday, July 21, as the city launches a Massive Drainage Check-Up and Clean-Up operation.
This move comes after the mayor conducted on-site inspections and saw firsthand the persistent flooding that continues to cause inconvenience to both motorists and pedestrians in the area.
Domagoso said the cleanup will be an all-out effort.
He emphasized that all resources from both national and local government units are being mobilized.
The operation is being carried out in coordination with the City of Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
During the closure, only vehicles headed to hospitals such as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Manila Doctors Hospital, and Medical Center Manila were advised to pass through Taft Avenue.
The public is strongly advised to take alternate routes, as manholes will be opened and heavy machinery will be used throughout the operation. This is expected to cause heavy traffic along the roads.
Meanwhile, Domagoso has suspended classes in all levels, both public and private, for Tuesday, July 22, citing forecasts of moderate to heavy rains.
He also encourages schools to shift to alternative learning modes or online classes to ensure the continuity of education and safety of students.
The suspension coincides with the city’s massive drainage clean-up along Taft Avenue.