Abalos wants floodpumping stations ready before rainy season

MANILA, Philippines — All flood pumping stations should be in good working condition ahead of the rainy season, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said yesterday.

“Pumping stations are very vital in addressing the flooding woes. Ensuring that they are operating at their full capacity will mitigate the perennial effects of flooding,” he said in a statement.

Abalos ordered the MMDA’s flood control and sewerage management office to conduct preventive maintenance works in all flood control facilities across the metropolis. The MMDA operates 64 pumping stations in Metro Manila.

He also ordered the MMDA to ensure there is enough diesel fuel to run the pumping stations.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have been declogging and dredging esteros, creeks, and drainages in flood-prone areas in Metro Manila to prevent flooding during the rainy season,” Abalos said.

He also urged the public to dispose of garbage properly to avoid clogging the waterways, with the garbage ending up at the pumping stations.