MMDA: Floods worsened by massive trash in drainage canals

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reminded the public to refrain from throwing trash in waterways in Metro Manila as rains submerged a number of areas in the National Capital Region. 

According to MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, 71 pumping stations operating at full capacity have reduced the number of flooded areas from over 500 areas to 273. However, MMDA personnel have discovered that the pumps had a hard time siphoning water from the streets due to blockages.

“This morning, at one of our pumping stations, we found a sofa, a refrigerator, and large pieces of wood that looked like they had been thrown into waterways. This kind of garbage is affecting the efficiency of our pumping stations,” he said.

“We call on our countrymen to please clean up our surroundings and not throw garbage into waterways,” he added.

Artes admitted that the Metro Manila drainage system is antiquated, with more than 50 years of service but he explained it can still do its job as long as it is not clogged.

“Our drainage system is small, it's antiquated, more than 50 years old, and it's still clogged with this kind of garbage, so it's really going to be difficult to get the water out and the flood subsided,” he said.

49 areas identified as flood-prone

The MMDA identified 49 areas across Metro Manila which are prone to flooding. Heavy volume of trash have also been collected from these areas.

“When the water level rises, we already know that it gets clogged with trash. We clean this regularly, it's just that, when it rains, that water carries trash that when it accumulates in the canals, that's what causes the water to get clogged and the level to rise,” Artes said.

The MMDA Chairperson explained that there are personnel manning these areas in which they poke the blockage to let the water push through in the canals and waterways.

Trash buildup not caused by LGU

Artes noted that trash buildup across the NCR are not caused by local government negligence but by members of the public who do not throw trash properly.

“Those LGUs are really prudent, it's just that, many of our countrymen, instead of making a little effort to properly dispose of their garbage, prefer to throw this garbage into the waterways,” he said.

Obstruction near MRT-7 site cleared

The ongoing construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) have possibly contributed to the flooding in parts of the Commonwealth Avenue on Monday, according to the MMDA.

Artes said this was due to the blockage of posts near canals which has since been cleared.

“We saw that one of the major drainage systems on Commonwealth Avenue was blocked by a pole. Only about 1/3 or 1/4 of that drainage system is functional, because it was blocked by a pole,” he said.

“Likewise, the water channels, from the road into the drainage system, some of them have also been blocked by construction materials,” he added.

The MMDA have coordinated with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon with this concern.

Araneta Avenue clean

The MMDA has cleared the flood in Araneta Avenue which yielded trash left on the road.

“The MMDA immediately cleared it so that it could be passed through properly. And if it rains again and floods, it will not end up on our main roads,” Artes said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA deployed 500 personnel to assist the public, including six buses, two military trucks, two rubber boats and four aluminum boats ready for rescue operations.

Search and rescue boats and military trucks have also been deployed to Malabon City to assist the local government in preemptive evacuations.