Dolomite beach, MRT-7 project blamed for floods

MANILA, Philippines — The artificial dolomite beach along Manila Bay and the ongoing construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) are to blame for floods in parts of the capital, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Flooding along Taft and Commonwealth Avenues could be attributed to the closure of three outfalls during Manila Bay’s rehabilitation and MRT-7 columns obstructing drainage inlets, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.

The dolomite beach was installed ostensibly as part of Manila Bay’s restoration, as ordered by the Supreme Court, along with the treatment of wastewater discharged into the bay.

Three outfalls at Faura and Remedios streets and Estero de San Antonio Abad were closed to redirect wastewater to a treatment plant.

“The facility’s capacity is too small to process the volume of wastewater immediately. That’s why wastewater accumulates on the road before it is released,” Artes said.

Mayor Isko Moreno and Artes witnessed yesterday the removal of the outfall barrier at the Estero de San Antonio Abad, which leads to the Manila Yacht Club area.

Artes said the Remedios outfall floodgate could also be removed.

MMDA officials inspected yesterday MRT-7’s Batasan station, where the columns have obstructed nearby drainage inlets, leading to floods last month.