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MMDA starts Estero Blitz for cleaner waterways

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched Wednesday its annual cleaning and de-clogging of waterways such as creeks and esteros in Metro Manila in preparation for the rainy season.

Hundreds of personnel from the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Service started its clean-up activity this morning at the Estero Tripa de Gallina in Malate, Manila.

Despite the regular clean-up, Estero Tripa de Gallina has always been swamped with domestic waste materials coming from the up-stream as well as mid-stream areas of the waterway due to several houses built along and near the creek.

The MMDA personnel will also be de-clogging and cleaning up waste materials from March 1 to July 26 at the following waterways: Pasig River Basin in Port Area, Manila; Estero de San Miguel, Estero de Quiapo, Estero de Magdalena, and Estero de Maypajo also in Manila;

Lapu-lapu/ Spine Open Canal and Letre Open Canal in Malabon City; Pasong Malapad Creek and the lagoon in Caloocan City; Waling-waling Creek and Tanque Creek, Sta. Lucia Creek and Villa Creek in Quezon City; Pinagkatdan Creek in Pasig City; Balanti Creek in Marikina City;

Pinagsama Creek in Taguig City; Sto. Rosario-Silangan River in Pateros; Estero Tripa de Gallina –Buendia Outfall in Makati City; Sto. Nino Creek in Pasay City; Dahlig Creek in Las Pinas City; Pasong Diablo River in Muntinllupa City; Coastal Open Canal in Paranaque City; and Libertad Retarding Pone in at Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay.

“We have to do this periodically to maximize the conveyance capacity of our open waterways in anticipation of the forthcoming rainy season,” MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said in a statement.

Furthermore, he reiterated that barangay officials should take responsibility in cleaning waterways within their respective jurisdictions.

The MMDA has earlier stated that it has sought the assistance of the Office of the Ombudsman to sue barangay officials who allow the waterways to be polluted despite repeated cleanup by the agency.

According to the MMDA, there are 37 pumping stations in Metro Manila being operated and maintained by the agency.

Among the flood-prone areas in the metropolis include Sampaloc, Manila and its immediate vicinity; Rizal Avenue corner R. Papa in Manila; Makati Diversion Channel, South Superhighway-Buendia; Maysilo Circle-Boni Avenue, Kalentong St., New Panaderos St., Shaw Boulevard and Acacia Lane in Mandaluyong;

Brgy. Dona Imelda, Damayang Lagi, Tatalon and Talayan in Quezon City; Quiapo, Manila and its immediate vicinity; and Ninoy Aquino Avenue and its immediate vicinity in Paranaque. (PNA)

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