SCUTTLEBUTT

Flood-proof Makati

Amid the debates over overpriced and manipulated flood control projects designed to generate pork barrel funds, Nosy Tarsee learned of a viable model that eradicates the flood blight, rather than resorting to the typical patch jobs.

Makati City can serve as a reference for effective flood control systems that require both infrastructure and non-infrastructure interventions. An overall plan that incorporates all of the small projects is key.

The city’s drainage master plan was developed based on historical data and foresight, the cost-efficiency of flood mitigation measures, and the integration of regional plans.

Even the Department of Public Works and Highways credits Makati City with having the most cost-efficient drainage system.

Drainage systems in the nation’s business center were improved to address the 50-year flood cycle period.

Environmental activities are conducted, complemented by the efforts of the Task Force Makati Waterways, where city personnel, barangay officials and residents conduct weekly cleaning of waterways.

Aside from weekly cleaning by the task force, tributaries in Makati are regularly maintained.

The Tripa de Gallina, a significant waterway shared with neighboring cities, has easements that were reclaimed, redeveloped, and co-maintained by the city and the barangays it traverses.

A particular success story is Barangay San Isidro, which is the city’s showcase for good partnerships and collaboration among local government officials in promoting nature-based solutions to flood mitigation and community-based risk reduction.

After flood mitigating interventions had been undertaken, there are still some “residues” of flood risks that the city prepares for.

Makati invested in an early warning system that covers the dissemination of localized weather information and impact-based forecasting, the installation of rain gauges, weather stations, and water level sensors to aid in data-driven preparedness and response interventions in collaboration with the barangays and city field personnel for flood monitoring to ensure preemptive measures would be taken.