Floods blamed on unfinished drainage projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) blamed Tuesday’s flooding in the metropolis on the unfinished drainage projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, the DPWH has yet to finish 76 drainage improvement projects.

He said drainage upgrade works are ongoing in Libis and Katipunan, Quezon City; Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City, and San Marcelino street in Manila.

Flooding problems in Metro Manila will be reduced if these drainage projects are completed, Tolentino said.

A sudden downpour flooded some parts of Pasig and Quezon cities, snarling traffic flow for hours the other day.

Tolentino said flood control teams from the MMDA were deployed to the areas affected by flooding.