Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Saturday announced that he set aside at least P83 million to keep Manila clean, in particular to address the city’s garbage problem.

Estrada set aside the funds following floods that swamped many parts of Manila dues to clogged waterways as a result of indiscriminate throwing of waste into the rivers, creeks and canals.

“To address the garbage problem, I have already set aside P45 million to the Department of Public Services (DPS) to hire 1,000 street sweepers and another P38 million to purchase six dump trucks,” the Mayor said.

However, he said the city council must still approve the resolution for the implementation of the cleanup project. It includes building and upgrading of waste sorting facilities, additional garbage bins, trucks and transfer stations.

Estrada warned the city’s hauling contractor, IPM to improve its garbage collection in the city or will revoke its contract with the City government.

According to IPM officials, they have assured that city government of regular waste collection in Manila.

Mayor Estrada likewise appealed to PhilEco, the barge operator that transports tons of garbage to Navotas dumpsite to give priority to Manila’s wastes.