MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has declogged a major waterway in Binondo, Manila as part of its yearly flood mitigation activity, Estero Blitz, in preparation for the rainy season.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim led the clean-up drive in Estero de Binondo near Juan Luna St. together with officials of Barangay 287 Zone 27 District III in Manila.
Heaps of trash and debris in Estero de Binondo clog up the pumping of flood waters in the pumping stations, Lim said.
“Our dredging operations in the area will continue to maintain the cleanliness of Estero de Binondo and nearby waterways,” he said in a statement.
The MMDA said the four pumping stations in the Binondo pumping station are ready for the incoming wet season.
The agency will seek the assistance of Manila City Hall and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to trace the source of the water waste and to check whether it is treated or not.
“We will coordinate with the authorities to sanction establishments that throw their garbage directly to esteros and other waterways,” Lim said, appealing to the public to refrain from throwing their garbage in waterways.
Photos of Estero de Binondo teeming with trash became viral on social media a few months ago, prompting the MMDA to prioritize cleaning the area.
The MMDA has identified the following flood-prone areas in Metro Manila: Sampaloc, Manila and its immediate vicinity; Rizal Ave. corner R. Papa in Manila; Makati Diversion Channel, South Superhighway-Buendia; Maysilo Circle-Boni Ave., Kalentong St., New Panaderos St., Shaw Blvd. and Acacia Lane in Mandaluyong; Barangay Dona Imelda, Damayang Lagi, Tatalon and Talayan in Quezon City; Quiapo, Manila and its immediate vicinity; and Ninoy Aquino Ave. and its immediate vicinity in Paranaque. (PNA)
