THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said the flood control projects whose completion have been reported as delayed in the 2019-2021 audit report of the Commission on Audit have been “substantially completed” this year.
MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office chief Baltazar Melgar said 59 flood control projects have not been completed as scheduled in 2021 due to several factors, including delayed procurement process due to the COVID-19 pandemic and right of way issues, among others.
Melgar said the COA-reported delayed projects were “minor” in nature, like pipe-laying, drainage and riverbank improvements, and rehabilitation of waterways leading to agency-operated pumping stations.
“These flood-mitigating projects are operational and serviceable this year. Now that we are slowly returning to normal following measures and restrictions to curb COVID-19, we are reassessing and recalibrating our processes to ensure timely completion of our flood control projects,” Melgar said.
This rainy season, Melgar said, all pumping stations of the agency are working at full capacity. The agency operates 77 pumping stations in strategic locations in Metro Manila.
He said 10 pumping stations being rehabilitated by the Department of Public Works and Highways would soon be completed and turned over to the MMDA.
Melgar said flood-mitigation activities aimed at de-clogging and cleaning up waterways such as creeks and esteros are conducted all-year round even at the height of the pandemic to maximize the conveyance capacity of open waterways and prevent flooding.
“Our de-clogging operations are continuous as well as clearing of our waterways,” he added.
