Binondo, Manila
15 August 2012

 
President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected the Binondo Pumping Station and discussed alternative means to improve its operations to mitigate flooding problems in the city.

In a discussion with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers headed by Chairman Francis Tolentino, President Aquino urged the agency to seek alternative measures to de-clog waste materials caught in the drainage system. He suggested for the agency to seek alternative technology from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to help solve flooding problems. The President also suggested to 3rd District of Manila Congresswoman Zenaida Angpin and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim to come up with stricter penalties under the Solid Waste Management program especially those caught throwing their garbage in the sewage system. He suggested to include community service as one of its penalties.

Since the start of the rainy season, the city of Manila has suffered from perennial flooding with areas being submerged in just few hours of rainfall. Although much of its flooding problems can be attributed to its land feature, with its flood-prone areas below sea level, poor waste management has been the identified primary cause, cutting down the pumping station’s performance down to 60% due to accumulated waste materials from informal settlers residing in the creeks and canals.

The MMDA currently operates and manages 51 pumping stations, 21 large pumping stations, 10 small pumping stations and 20 relief pumping stations. They recently completed the construction of Uli-uli Pumping Station in Manila last April 30.

 

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