The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is installing additional trash traps in 35 waterways to prevent massive flooding in the metropolis during rainy days.
The installation of trash traps, according to MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr., is part of the agency’s flood management project.
These traps were installed to block the entry of trash and to help mitigate damage to the agency-manned pumping stations caused by garbage.
On Wednesday, Abalos and other MMDA officials inspected the newly-installed floating trash traps in waterways in the Quezon City and Mandaluyong City.
Abalos personally oversees the hauling of garbage at the Lagarian creek and Arayat creek in Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City.
“We have installed trash traps on the waterways to block damaging debris and garbage as part of our flood management project,” he said.
The MMDA chief also oversaw the hauling of garbage at Buhangin creek near Aglipay Bridge in Mandaluyong City.
These creeks are major tributaries of the San Juan River, which is connected to the Pasig River.
Abalos said his agency will deploy personnel to collect garbage regularly along the creek.
The MMDA also want to ensure that all pumping stations, vital in addressing the flooding problems in Metro Manila, are in good working condition.
The agency is conducting regular cleaning of all the pumping stations and esteros to ensure smooth operations, especially during heavy rains.
The MMDA operates 64 pumping stations in strategic locations in Metro Manila.
Abalos reiterated his appeal to the public to stop throwing their garbage in esteros as it causes flooding.