MMDA warns of even worse flooding

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has warned of more destructive floods that could hit the country’s capital if local government units (LGUs) fail to immediately solve garbage problems in their respective areas.

MMDA Undersecretary Cesar Lacuna has appealed to LGUs to improve the collection of garbage to prevent floods similar to the one that hit the metropolis during a recent typhoon.

"Talagang pag hindi nakuha yung mga basura, they would end up blocking our drainage. If this happens again, we would be helpless," Lacuna told The STAR yesterday.

The MMDA noted the problematic garbage collection in the cities of Parañaque, Pasay, Malabon and Muntinlupa.

Lacuna has urged residents to cooperate with their LGUs by voluntarily segregating their garbage and refrain from throwing them in waterways.

"Sana naman wag na silang magtapon ng basura kasi talagang babalik sa kanila yung mga tinapon nila. Nakita na nga natin, pati buhay nila mawawala dahil sa baha," he explained.

Lacuna, however, noted that there has been a major improvement in flood control in several areas of Metro Manila.

Lacuna said he remembered that major thoroughfares such as EDSA, Buendia, Taft Avenue and Marcos Highway are not as flooded as they once were during heavy rains.

"That’s what we have been trying to prevent and where we have been successful so far," said Lacuna.

The recent floods had placed several parts of Metro Manila under three feet of water, except the major thoroughfares.

Lacuna said the MMDA is continuing with its flood control projects, which now focuses on the flood-stricken northern part of Metro Manila comprised of cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava).

"We are concentrating on pumping stations in Camanava. They won’t really prevent floods, but would be of great help in easily draining flood water in the area when it rains hard," he explained.

Lacuna said this was their most effective solution to the flood problem in the area until the flood control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways is completed.

"Matagal pa talalaga yun. Kaya kailangan talagang magtulungan sa problema sa basura," he noted.

Lacuna said the problem would be aggravated further if LGUs fail to respond to the strike staged by garbage collectors.

Truck drivers and collectors of REN Transport Corp., responsible for collecting garbage in Muntinlupa, Malabon, San Juan and Antipolo, went on strike last week, paralyzing 80 percent of collection in Metro Manila.

Some LGUs responded by hiring hauling trucks from other companies as the internal dispute at REN Transport remains unresolved.