MMDA clearing major waterways

With Typhoon "Yoyong" out of the country, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has begun cleaning up after its mess, focusing on major waterways and floodways in the metropolis.

MMDA Undersecretary Cesar Lacuna yesterday said they have dispatched their environmental aides to the streets and flood control personnel to remove debris and garbage from the waterways to the Tullahan River in Valenzuela, the San Juan River and the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City.

MMDA officials went around Metro Manila the other day to determine the level of damage caused by the super typhoon.

Lacuna said damage was minimal and there was no heavy flooding unlike previous weather disturbances.

"We’d like to think that the flood was at normal levels. It could have been worse really," he said.

According to the MMDA Metro Base, the highest level of floodwater during the typhoon was three feet, recorded in Marikina and Valenzuela.

"Surprisingly, the floodway in Napindan in Taguig was not even affected," Lacuna said.

The task at hand now would be to remove the garbage clogging the waterways. "This is the best time to clean the waterways in preparation for future typhoons," he said.

"Actually, even without the rains, our men are monitoring the drainage systems and waterways to make sure that damage is minimal in case a strong typhoon surprises us in Metro Manila," Lacuna explained.

He renewed his appeal to local government units to intensify their campaign on waste management "because this would be the key to prevent destructive floods in Metro Manila."