The Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Wednesday it has collected at total of 3,018 cubic meters of rubbish and silt from Roxas Boulevard and waterways as part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation project in nearly four months.
In its summary of accomplishment from Jan. 27 to May 17, the MMDA’s Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office said the buildup of trash and silt is equivalent to 400 truckloads.
Covered by the FCSMO’s clearing operation were shores of Manila Bay on Roxas Boulevard, Estero San Antonio de Abad, Tripa De Gallina, Padre Faura Drainage Main, Remedios Drainage Main and some drainage laterals.
MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said his men have been conducting regular cleanup operations along waterways in Metro Manila even before the launch of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project.
“We still have a long way to go but with sustained efforts led by the government and stakeholders, we can restore the beauty and improve Manila Bay’s quality of water. We welcome everyone’s help in cleaning up Manila Bay,” said Lim.
FCSMO chief Baltazar Melgar said at least 250 MMDA personnel are engaged in the clearing of esteros leading to Manila Bay with the use of heavy equipment including backhoe, barge, motorized banca, scow, mobile crane, and dump truck.