The operation of Pasig River Ferry is again suspended, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
This time, the agency decided to suspend the operation because the recent typhoon “Ulysses” damaged the pontoons in several ferry stations.
MMDA chief information officer Sharon Gentalian said the damaged pontoons were found in the terminals of Guadalupe, Hulo, Valenzuela, Pinagbuhatan and San Joaquin days after Typhoon “Ulysses” hit the country last week.
Pontoons serve as docking platforms for ferry boats. The affected areas are now undergoing repair.
“The suspension of operations is to assure the riding public of safety in riding the ferry,” the MMDA said in its advisory.
The agency is still unsure when it will be able to resume normal operations of the ferry service.
The operations of Pasig Ferry went on and off recently due to water lilies.
The water lilies that clogged the river during the rainy season have long been the problem affecting the operation of the ferry system. They entangle the ferry’s propellers, preventing the boats from traveling at normal speed.
The MMDA’s Clearing Operation Unit regularly conducts activities to clear the river of water hyacinths and floating garbage.
MMDA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Pircelyn Pialago said they had already procured a harvester for water hyacinths but the delivery from Canada was delayed because of the coronavirus disease pandemic. She added the shipment was expected to arrive before the end of the year.
The ferry currently serves authorized persons outside residence, health workers and government employees who need to report for work free of charge from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. while the general community quarantine status is being enforced in the National Capital Region.