The World Bank (WB) has conducted an implementation support mission to evaluate the progress of the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) activities in pushing the Metro Manila Flood Management Project.
The MMDA, under chairman Romando Artes, was tasked to enhance solid waste management and reinforce flood resilience in the National Capital Region (NCR).
During a recent meeting, World Bank representatives and MMDA officials discussed the establishment of centralized and decentralized materials recovery facilities (MRF) for proper waste disposal.
The 45-man WB delegation from East Asia Pacific also conducted a site visit and study tour as part of its mission.
The group, together with the MMFMP Project Management Team of the MMDA, inspected the integrated solid waste diversion facilities at the Vitas Pumping Station such as the solid waste granulator, ecobrick making machine, eco CHB machine, glass bottle crushing machine, cockpit making facility, and plastic processing equipment.
This initiative was part of Component 2 of the project, which aims to improve solid waste management in barangays near pumping stations to ensure efficiency.
The meeting also involved representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways, a part of the MMFMP.
The WB appreciated the positive direction of the project and intends to continue developing projects and programs for better waste management.
“We will continue with what is required to be done so that we can better reach the goal of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project in accordance with the discussion in the Implementation Support Mission of the World Bank,” Artes said.
Collaborating with local government units in NCR, the MMDA recently initiated the project to modernize 36 existing pumping stations, construct 20 new ones, and enhance infrastructure along critical waterways in cities such as Manila, Pasay, Taguig, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Caloocan.
Flood mitigation programs and initiatives will be executed in identified flood-prone areas in Metro Manila.