MMDA: Metro Manila not ready for another 'Ondoy'
The sorry state of infrastructure and waterways in Metro Manila will not prevent massive flooding similar to the situation when typhoon Ondoy hit the country last year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said. On Monday, the day after the first anniversary of typhoon Ondoy, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the metro's clogged drainage systems and waterways would cause massive flooding should rainfall similar to that of Ondoy hit the country. "I have to admit, infastructure-wise some of our drainage systems, lateral systems are still clogged. We may not be ready for that. I have to admit that--and you know this for a fact--that some of our esteros (creeks) are still clogged not just with litters but with informal settlers," he said in a press conference in Malacañang. However, he noted that the public is "psychologically, mentally" prepared for such situations, as shown by their resiliency after Ondoy devastated a large part of Metro Manila. He added that the government is working to clean up waterways and craft long-term plans to minimize flooding. [Do you live in a flood-prone area? Find out using our interactive flood map of Metro Manila.] Estero Declaration Tolentino said only around 30 percent of the metro's creeks have been cleaned by the MMDA due to budgetary constraints and limited manpower. However, Tolentino said the recent signing of the "Estero Declaration" between the MMDA and 17 Metro Manila mayors, is expected to help prevent flooding in the metropolis and control environmental pollution. Under the "Estero Declaration," signed on September 24, the mayors will implement their respective anti-littering ordinances and clean and dredge the esteros, creeks, and other waterways located within their jurisdiction Tolentino said the MMDA is now crafting an integrated Metro Manila flood control plan because the existing one was crafted around 1952. He said he expects the draft to be finished by mid-November this year. Manila Blueprint 2030 The MMDA is also working on a more comprehensive plan, the Manila Blueprint 2030, which will include plans for Metro Manila and nearby areas about flood control, flood management, and urban renewal, among others. Tolentino said new pumping stations will be constructed and additional pumps will be installed to increase the metro's capacity to drain floodwaters. Among the MMDA's other proposals are the upgrading of existing drainage systems and the widening and dredging of rivers to their desired depth and width. "We cannot avoid floods. Accept that as a reality, just like we can't avoid traffic," he said. "But we can reduce floods, and the consequences." Malacañang has proposed only P980 million for the MMDA's 2011 budget, which means the MMDA will have to work closer with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private firms to implement its proposals. Tolentino said he already met with DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson to identify the projects they can immediately work on Cleanup of Tullahan River According to an MMDA press release, Tolentino also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with San Miguel Foundation (SMF), the social development arm of food and beverage firm San Miguel Corporation, for the cleanup of the 15-kilometer Tullahan river. Under the MOA, SMC subsidiary San Miguel Brewery will lend the MMDA a backhoe and pantoon barge to be used in dredging operations. The SMF, on the other hand, will provide the MMDA with operational requirements such as fuel and maintenance amounting to not more than P416,396 a month. The MMDA will take care of personnel and additional equipment needed. The project will initially run for a year and will cover the portion of the river between the San Miguel Brewery-Polo plant in Valenzuela City to Manila Bay in Navotas, the statement said. Tolentino said the MMDA also partnered with a "small construction firm" which would also support the government by providing fuel. The MMDA is also setting up "flood control bayanihan zones," or community based alliances that will address flooding and other disasters. These will be composed of government agencies, local government, non-government organizations, religious groups, and business organizations. Causes of flooding Tolentino said flooding in Metro Manila is caused by the following: