MMDA collects over 750 truckloads of garbage from Metro waterways

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) collected more than 750 truckloads of garbage and silt from different creeks and open canals in Metro Manila through its waterways and estero cleanup program.

Data from the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office showed that a total of 757 truckloads or 5,250 cubic meters of garbage and silt from several waterways in Metro Manila were collected from March 1 to May 6 this year.

The cleanup is being conducted by MMDA personnel through its Estero Blitz program, an annual flood mitigation project in preparation for the rainy season.

MMDA Officer in Charge Thomas Orbos said that the agency wanted to prevent massive flooding in Metro Manila during the onset of the rainy season.

“As early as March, we have been working to ensure that the various waterways and esteros as well as sewers in Metro Manila are garbage-free to allow the continuous flow of water during heavy downpour,” Orbos said.

He reiterated that local government units especially the barangays should contribute in maintaining the cleanliness of waterways in the metropolis.

To date, MMDA has de-clogged and cleared eight waterways – 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. MMDA personnel are scheduled to declog refuse, slit and debris from Letre (P. Aquino) open canal in Malabon City from May 10 up to May 13.

The agency is expected to clear the major waterways in Caloocan, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, Taguig, Pateros, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa and Paranaque in the following months until October.

Among those scheduled for declogging and clearing from June to October include Pasong Malapad Creek, Lagoon (tributary of Pasong Malapad Creek), Veinte Reales Creek, Waling-waling Creek (tributary creek of San Juan River), Tanque Creek, Villa Verde and Sta. Lucia Creeks, (tributaries of Tullahan River), Pinagkatdan Creek, Sto. Rosario – Silangan River, Maytunas Creek, Ermitano Creek, Estero Tripa de Gallina- Buendia Outfall, Sto. Nino Creek, Dahlig Creek, Pasong Diablo River, and the Coastal Open Canal. (PNA)