The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday announced that the World Bank–funded Metro Manila Flood Management Project is now regaining momentum after experiencing significant delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Palace briefing, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the project, which covers the years 2018 to 2024, had slowed down considerably during the height of pandemic restrictions but is now progressing as scheduled.

“Inabot po kasi iyan ng pandemic. Nasabi ninyo nga po ang period na covered niyan ay 2018 to 2024. So, iyong bulk po ng delay niyan happened because of the pandemic,” Artes explained.

He added that despite the setbacks, the World Bank recently gave the project a “satisfactory” rating, signaling improved performance.

“Pero sa ngayon po ay naka-catch up na po tayo. In fact, satisfactory po ang rating na ibinigay sa atin ng World Bank,” Artes stressed.

Artes likewise noted that the MMDA and the World Bank held a meeting several weeks ago to review the status of the initiative, which aims primarily to reduce solid waste in Metro Manila’s waterways — one of the major contributors to urban flooding.

“We can assure the public na inayos na po natin iyan, naka-catch up na po tayo at magagamit po nang tama iyong pondo for the purpose intended,” he said, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in the use of project funds.

According to the World Bank Group, the first phase of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project focuses on reducing flood risks in flood-prone communities across the National Capital Region.

Key components include the construction and rehabilitation of pumping stations, improvements in solid waste management systems, and the relocation of informal settler families living along waterways.

The project, approved in 2017 and made effective in 2018, is jointly financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), each contributing an amount equivalent to US$207.6 million.