MMDA to repair 12 pumping stations

MANILA, Philippines - Following the release by the Department of Budget and Management of P1.59 billion  for the repair of flood pumping stations in Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to  start the repair and rehabilitation of 12 pumping stations.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said that out of the agency’s 51 pumping stations, the following pumping stations need to be repaired and rehabilitated: Libertad, Quiapo, Tripa de Galina, Pandacan, Valencia, Binondo, Aviles, Paco, Makati, Sta. Clara, Balete and the Arroceros station.

Tolentino said the MMDA’s pumping stations are designed to pump out between 80 millimeters and 90 mm of floodwater per hour. However, because of age and disrepair, these pumping stations are no longer operating at their full capacity.

According to Tolentino, the additional budget released by the DBM would boost its current P230-million budget for flood control projects, which includes the maintenance and operation of the 51 pumping stations.

“We thank Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for the support given to Metro Manila given the adverse effects of climate change,” Tolentino said.

“We will strictly comply with the procurement law and at the same time, upgrade the capability of our pumps to mitigate the effects of flooding utilizing international standards,” he added. - Mike Frialde