Metro flood projects earn World Bank kudos

The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank have recognized the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for its flood control projects, according to MMDA chairman Romando Artes.

Artes said the two banking institutions lauded the gains being made in controlling the perennial flooding in the National Capital Region primarily through projects being managed by the MMDA.

The recognition by WB and AIIB was made after their officials met with the MMDA and conducted an inspection of Metro Manila flood control projects over the weekend.

The MMDA official said that among the projects recognized for significant progress was "the wider reach of the mobile materials recovery facility from 10 to 42 barangays in Metro Manila.

Likewise, the distribution of composting facilities to 32 barangays from only three barangays in March was also lauded by the banking officials, he added.

Other ongoing projects that received the nod of the financing organizations were the water hyacinth processing plant in Rizal, the start of the pyrolysis equipment installation at the Vitas Pumping Station, and the installation of trash traps in selected waterways.

"The water hyacinth processing plant is almost complete and was initiated amid the fast growth of water hyacinth, especially along Pasig River which contributes to the flooding in some parts of Metro Manila," he added.

The two funding agencies also recognized the increased diversion rate of the solid waste granulator and brick-making facility located at the Vitas Pumping Station in Tondo.

"These facilities convert solid waste to by-products such as eco-bricks, eco-hollow blocks, eco-concrete barriers, and bio-waste compost materials," Artes said.

The MMDA has also completed the 25-year Solid Waste Management master plan that aims to reduce the vulnerability to and resilience against floods of Metro Manila.

"We are further intensifying our efforts and initiatives toward making Metro Manila more resilient to floods, especially since the effects of climate change are getting worse," Artes added.