The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reiterated its appeal to the public to stop throwing garbage on the streets, especially during the rainy season, to prevent significant flooding in the metropolis.
The MMDA made the appeal as piles of garbage were left on the streets, pumping stations, and various waterways in Metro Manila in the wake of heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Carina and habagat on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The agency emphasized that the washed-up garbage in the estuary and pumping stations indicate the lack of discipline in garbage disposal, which clogs waterways and ends up in the river and Manila Bay, impacting facility operation.
The agency stated that trash, including plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic cups, and styrofoam, take years to decompose when thrown away on the streets.
Personnel from the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office and Metro Parkways Clearing Group are currently removing tons of mixed garbage, which the agency claimed was the root cause of the severe flooding problem.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes recently mentioned the installation of additional trash traps in waterways as part of the agency’s flood management efforts to prevent damage to the facilities.
Heavy downpour brought floods and traffic on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, mainly due to canals and drainage systems full of garbage, according to the MMDA.
Artes emphasized that garbage thrown on the streets ends up clogging canals, drainage systems, and waterways, which causes floods.
The MMDA chief asked the people to exercise discipline in managing their trash properly to prevent “a never-ending cycle.”
He also encourages people to reuse and recycle to reduce waste and prevent clogging of waterways.
