THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday said the controversial dolomite beach will not reopen until all planned rehabilitation activities in the area are completed, adding the target re-opening is still within the year — before Christmas.
In an online briefing, Jonas Leones, DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs, said activities planned for the area are being coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as with contractors.
Leones said the rehabilitation work includes the repair of the drainage system where sewage from establishments in Padre Faura, Remedios and Abad Manila are dumped.
The outfall near the Dolomite Rock Garden will also be fixed as the area was monitored to have high levels of fecal coliform.
“(We will) divert all wastewater coming from residential and industrial areas to an STP (sewage treatment plant) while rainwater will be diverted to a big HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe with a length of 400 meters from the sea wall to avoid flooding in Manila,” Leones said.
He added other facilities targeted to be finished within the year include a fishing area near the Manila Yacht Club alongside a small beach area and playground for kids, solar-powered comfort rooms, a souvenir shop, and a mandamus office that will serve as headquarters for operations related to the Manila Bay.
He said lighting and landscaping works are being prepared in the area as well as the second phase of the project that will involve the installation of geo-engineering interventions to expand the man-made beach.
