MMDA to get 17 more pumping stations

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be manning 17 more pumping stations for flood control in addition to the 54 stations now operating in the metropolis.

With P22-billion funding from the World Bank, the construction of the pumping stations will be done by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), according to the MMDA.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the acquisition of additional pumping stations was part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project-Phase 1.

“We will build more pumping stations. The only reason why we don’t have flooding (these days) is because of the pumping stations. It keep us afloat,” Carlos said.

MMDA planning officer Michael Gison said the initial construction of five pumping stations would start early next year following the loan approval.

“Talks are ongoing between the World Bank and DPWH,” Gison said.

He said the World Bank would fund 60 percent of the project, with the remaining 40 percent to be shouldered by the national government.

The Metro Manila Flood Management Project, which was approved by the government in 2012, aims to improve urban drainage in Metro Manila by upgrading existing pumping stations.

The project also aims to increase short-term water retention capacity in drainage areas, reduce the volume of solid waste dumped indiscriminately into waterways, and support community–driven resettlement of informal settlers who are encroaching in easements for drains and waterways that are linked to the project pumping stations.

The project is divided into four components: modernization of drainage areas (P15.5 billion); minimizingsolid waste in waterways (P3.3 billion); participatory housing resettlement as well as project management, support, and coordination (P1.998 billion).

Under the project, 13 new pumping stations will be built in Quezon City. One each will be constructed in Mandaluyong and Taguig, and two in Valenzuela City.

The MMDA said 12 pumping stations would be rehabilitated in Malabon, four in Taguig, two in Quezon City, one in Makati and another in Pasay.