MMDA to get 15 new pumping stations, fix up 38 for flood control

MANILA, Philippines -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will soon be operating 15 new flood pumping stations to support the 53 stations it now has.

 

According to the MMDA, construction of the new pumping stations will be done by the Department of Public Works and Highways with a P22-billion loan from the World Bank which is now waiting for approval.

 

“We will build more pumping stations. The only reason we don’t have flooding (these days is) because of pumping stations. It keep us afloat,”  MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said of the planned Metro Manila Flood Management Project –Phase 1.

 

Michael Gison, MMDA planning officer, said the initial construction of five pumping stations is expected to start early next year.

 

“Talks are now ongoing with World Bank and the Department of Public Works and Highways,” Gison said.

 

According to Gison, the World Bank will fund 60 percent of the project while the remaining 40 percent will 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 to accommodate urban expansion.

 

The project also aims to increase the short-term water retention capacity in drainage areas, reduce the volume of solid waste in waterways, and support the community-driven resettlement of informal settlers 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); Minimizing Solid Waste in Waterways (P3.3 billion); Participatory Housing Resettlement and Project Management, Support, and Coordination (P1.998 billion).

 

Under the project, 13 new pumping stations will be built in Quezon City while two existing others will be refurbished.

 

One pumping station in Makati City will be fixed while 12 stations will be repaired in Malabon.

 

Mandaluyong will get a new pumping station while 18 stations in Manila will be rehabilitated.

 

Also set for rehabilitation are one pumping station in Pasay City and four in Taguig City, where a new pumping station will also be built. Valenzuela City will get two new stations.

 

Earlier, the MMDA had assured the public that all 54 pumping stations of MMDA are fully functional for this rainy season.