MMDA prepares pumping stations for rainy season

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is already preparing for possible flooding in Manila. It is expected the state weather bureau PAGASA will declare the rainy season in the coming days.

The MMDA has already gone to the pumping stations of the flood control unit, where they are making sure that they filter out the obstructions in the waterway.

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There are 8 pumping stations, including the largest Tripa de Gallina in Pasay City, operating.

But the problem, according to MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos, is that the pumping station needs to be repaired because it is 45 years old.

“Itong pumping station na ito, ginawa noong 1976. This is a 45 year old pumping station, ganoon na siya katanda kaya it’s now due for repair,” said Abalos.

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“Heto nakikipag-isa na tayo sa World Bank para i-repair na ito. But for the meantime, para tumuloy-tuloy ito importante na huwag nang umabot ang basura dito, kasi once umabot, nasisira ‘yong pumping station,” he added.

MMDA prepares pumping stations for rainy season

Abalos added that as soon as the garbage is not collected, the pumping stations will break and flood again.

“Basta masira ito, delikado tayo sa Metro Manila. Again, inuulit ko these are 8 pumping stations. Ang pina-pump nito ay 7 cubic meter per second. So you could just imagine kung wala ito ano ang mangyayari sa kalakhang Maynila lalo na ang katabing Pasay, ang Makati, etcetera,” said Abalos.

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As a result, drainage and sewerage are strictly monitored and estuaries in areas that always sink during the rainy season, such as Manila, Pasay, and Marikina.

Because they are catch basins, they are flooded even if it rains a little.

The MMDA is also considering placing garbage nets in the rivers to prevent clogging of the pumping stations.

The MMDA, in collaboration with the LGUs, has not stopped cleaning the estuaries but still cannot prevent the return of garbage.

“Ilagay ang basura sa tamang lalagyan, sa basurahan. ‘Wag tayong magtatapon ng basura sa kalye o saan man lalo na sa ilog. Otherwise, babalik talaga sa atin ito,” said Abalos.

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