THE Metro Manila Development Authority is hastening its clean-up operation of all clogged drainage, creeks and open waterways in the metropolis in line with its anti-flood measure as the rainy season draws near.
In a report from the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Service office, the latest operation was conducted along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Terminal 3.
Dredging operation was also conducted at Maytunas Creek along J.B.Vargas Street in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos said aside from traffic, flood control and clearing all the clogged creeks and open waterways in Metro Manila was also one of the agency’s mandates, adding the clean up operation was being made in cooperation with local government officials.
Massive flooding is a contributing factor to the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, MMDA officials said.
In October, the agency came up with a list of flood-prone areas in the National Capital Region the public should avoid, especially during rush hours and heavy downpour.
The flood prone areas identified in Manila are the España-Antipolo-Maceda in Sampaloc, the Padre Burgos and Manila City Hall vicinity, and the R. Papa-Rizal Avenue; and the areas of Quezon Avenue, Biak na Bato, Edsa-Trinoma, Edsa-Camp Aguinaldo Gate 3, and Katipunan Avenue in front of Shakeys Pizza Restaurant in Quezon City.
In Makati City, the MMDA identified both the southbound and northbound lanes of the Osmeña-Skyway, Don Bosco, southbound and northbound of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, and the Edsa-Pasong Tamo Magallanes Tunnel.
The West Service Road in Merville and East Service Road in Sales Street, both in Parañaque City; and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue extension, and the area of President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue-World Trade in Pasay City.
The areas of Bagong Ilog, BCDA and Bayani Road along Circumferential Road–5 (C-5), Edsa-Megamall and Balintawak Cloverleaf at the North Luzon Expressway were also included in the list.
The MMDA made the list of flood-prone areas to help motorists and commuters plan their travels and schedule.
To date, MMDA has cleaned and cleared Estero de Galina in Manila, Makati and Pasay; Libertad retarding pond in Pasay; Estero de San Miguel, Estero de Quiapo, Estero de Magdalena, Estero de Maypajo, and Estero dela Reina, all in Manila; and Lapu-lapu/spine open canal in Malabon and Navotas.
The MMDA attributed the clog problem from residents and informal settlers living along and near the creek.