Metro LGUs eye 50-year drainage master plan

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila are eyeing to draw up a 50-year water drainage system master plan to mitigate flooding in the metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported on Wednesday.

While the government has built pumping stations – 71 of which are run by the agency – to help flush out floodwaters, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said drains that are clogged with trash continue to be a problem.

“Our drainages are no longer designed to accommodate such a huge volume of water in Metro Manila. We almost run out of soil that can absorb the water,” he said.

The master plan, to be funded by a loan from the World Bank, will make sure drainage systems in Metro Manila will be common in terms of size and design, Artes said.

The MMDA proposed the project after a study tour with some Metro Manila mayors in the Netherlands.

The World Bank has “approved in principle” the plan, but it has yet to be finalized, Artes said.

“The loan has to be restructured. Some LGUs in Metro Manila have come up with their own drainage master plans so we will incorporate them,” he said.

Downpour floods parts of Manila

Parts of Manila were flooded yesterday due to an overnight downpour, prompting the city government to suspend classes.

The class suspension covered all levels in public and private schools, including online classes.

The Manila Public Information Office said portions of Taft Avenue, particularly near the LRT-1 United Nations station and Padre Faura were flooded.

Stranded passengers rode trucks and vans deployed by the city government and the Manila Police District.

The MMDA said a closed outfall going to Manila Bay could have caused the flooding along Taft Avenue.

EDSA potholes to be repaired

Meanwhile, motorists are advised to avoid EDSA starting today as portions of the Bus Carousel lane with potholes will be fixed in the next five days, according to the MMDA.

The Department of Public Works and Highways will conduct asphalt overlay and reblocking along both lanes of the EDSA Busway from Buendia to Muñoz from 10 p.m. today until 5 a.m. of Aug. 9, the MMDA said in an advisory.

The MMDA advised motorists to use Mabuhay Lanes or alternate routes to avoid EDSA.

Traffic jams are to be expected, according to MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana.

Fifteen areas in Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Makati will be affected by roadworks.