The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and other concerned agencies and stakeholders gather recently for the first joint meeting concerning updates on the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1.
Led by DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, the meeting which was also attended by representatives from the World Bank, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corporation, Manila and Pasay City local government units (LGUs), and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, was held at the DPWH Central Office in Port Area, Manila.
The meeting discussed the timeline and other issues on the implementation of the whole Metro Manila Flood Management Project that aims to rehabilitate and modernize 36 old pumping stations, construct new 30 pumping stations in Metro Manila from 2018 to 2023; minimize solid waste in waterways; and prioritize housing and resettlement of informal settler families that will have to be relocated from the waterways.
According to Undersecretary Sadain, the first batch of the project which covers the rehabilitation of five (5) pumping stations namely: Vitas and Balut Pumping Stations in Tondo, Balita; Paco Pumping Station in Paco, Manila; Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City; and Labasan Pumping Station in Taguig City will be implemented starting this year.
The Phase 1 of the project is now under detailed engineering design and is targeted for procurement by the second quarter, followed by construction between third quarter of 2018 to first quarter of 2020.
The Metro Manila Flood Management Project which will be implemented by the DPWH together with MMDA and in close coordination with LGUs and key shelter agencies will be funded jointly by World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank under loan agreement signed December 19, 2017.
Upon completion, the project will boost the discharge capacity of existing pumping stations and prevent occurrence of flooding hence protect lives and properties especially in low-lying areas of Metro Manila.