MMDA: 3 drainage systems closed due to unfinished Manila Bay project

The Metro Manila Development Authority has pointed to an unfinished project as the cause of flooding in some of Manila's roads amid heavy rains.

According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras", three of Manila's main drainage systems have been closed due to a project meant to make waters go through treatment before being released to the Manila Bay off dolomite beach.

These drainage systems are the Padre Faura Drainage, Remedios Drainage and Estero De San Antonio.

“Sarado po. Hindi pa natatapos ang project ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) 'yung pumping station and installation ng pipe... so mabagal ang pag-subside ng tubig baha,” MMDA acting general manager Baltazar Melgar said.

(Those are closed. The DPWH has not yet completed its project on the pumping station and installation of pipe, so flood waters subsided slowly.)

The project involves pumping stations at the drainage systems and a pipe that leads to a sewerage treatment plant.

“Dina-divert muna doon sa ating STP, para i-treat ang tubig diyan bago ilabas sa Manila Bay. Para ma-maintain natin yung quality or ma-improve natin ang quality ng tubig," Melgar said.

"Ang target ng DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) diyan ay magiging swimmable,” he added.

(It is diverted to our STP to treat the water before releasing it to the Manila Bay so that we can maintain the quality or improve the quality of the water. The target of the DENR there is for Manila Bay to be swimmable.)

Melgar said the MMDA released floodwaters into the Pasig River instead of directly to the bay.

“Doon na siya nag-drain sa Pasig River instead na mag-drain siya dito directly sa Manila Bay. Iikot pa siya sa Pasig River,” Melgar said.

(We drain the floodwater to the Pasig River instead of draining it directly to Manila Bay. It will go around the Pasig River.)

“I-require siguro namin ang DPWH to install pumps o mobile pumps, o kaya i-operate muna ang existing pumps. Tubig ulan naman yan i-pump out na lang nila doon sa Manila Bay,” Melgar said.

(We might require the DPWH to install pumps or mobile pumps or operate the existing pumps. This is only rainwater, they could pump it to the Manila Bay.)

GMA News has sought comment from Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan regarding the matter.

GMA News had also reached out to former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and former Public Works Secretary Mark Villar. -- Mel Matthew Doctor/BAP/NB, GMA News