In his first few days in office, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos has ensured residents of Metro Manila that all pumping stations needed in the Metro’s flood control operations, are in good working condition ahead of the onset of the rainy season.
During his inspection at Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay today, Abalos ordered Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO) Head Baltazar Melgar to conduct preventive maintenance works in all flood control facilities and ensure that it will have sufficient stock of diesel fuel for its operations.
“Pumping stations are very vital in addressing the flooding woes. Ensuring that they are operating at their full capacity will mitigate the perennial effects of flooding,” the traffic chief stressed.
The traffic head also instructed regular cleaning of all the pumping stations and esteros to ensure smooth operations, especially during heavy rains.
“All pumping stations are working in full capacity.”
Melgar, for his part, said all pumping stations are working in full capacity.
“We have enough supply of fuel for our operations and manned 24/7,” he said.
The agency operates 64 pumping stations in strategic locations in Metro Manila.
Moreover, flood-mitigation activities aimed at declogging and cleaning up waterways, such as creeks and esteros, are conducted all-year-round aimed to maximize the conveyance capacity of open waterways.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have been declogging and dredging esteros, creeks and drainages in flood-prone areas in Metro Manila to prevent flooding during the rainy season,” Abalos explained.
“Dispose of garbage properly to avoid clogging the waterways.”
Asking for the public’s cooperation, he also appealed to them to dispose of garbage properly to avoid clogging the waterways that eventually end up at the pumping stations.