MMDA eyes 50% flood reduction this rainy season

Flood level should be down by 50 percent this coming rainy season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday.

"There would still be floodings, people should understand this. But we think the flood level would be down by 50 percent this time," Cesar Lacuna, MMDA deputy chairman and head of the flood control functions, said in a phone interview.

Improvement is expected in target areas such as España and Blumentritt in Manila. However, other areas such as the Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) and West Manggahan in Taguig, will still have heavy floodings as experienced in the past, Lacuna admitted, as the "big dike projects" for these two areas are still under construction.

Lack of funds to completely rehabilitate the old drainage pipes in Metro Manila is one reason why the MMDA could only reduce floods by half, Lacuna said. "The design of the drainage system should be in accordance with the present need," he said.

Unable to rehabilitate the pipes, the MMDA resorted to de-clogging and de-silting garbage and soil that have accumulated in drainages.

Lacuna lamented that the MMDA’s work in cleaning up waterways is hampered by the very people who complain of the floodings.

"That’s the painful truth. We would clean the esteros and drainage main for at least three weeks. Two weeks later, when we go back to check, we would find garbage again so we would have to clean it all over again," he said.

An MMDA official said barangay leaders should be held liable for such recidivism in their areas.

"They are allowing these residents to throw garbage anywhere, and also allowing them to live near the waterways. These residents who throw garbage into the esteros at the expense of others try to keep their surroundings clean. They should do their share to solve the flooding problem," the official said, requesting anonymity.

President Arroyo transferred the jurisdiction of flood control activities from the Department of Public Works and Highways to the MMDA in July last year, in addition to the agency’s task of solving the metropolis’ traffic and garbage problems.