P1.6B released for rehabilitation of water pumping stations in Metro Manila

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.59 billion to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the rehabilitation of its 12 water pumping stations in Metro Manila. “The recently approved funds would allow us to enhance the capacity of our pumping facilities and upgrade them as needed, well before the rainy season,” said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad in a statement Monday. The MMDA pumping stations that are set to undergo rehabilitation are the following:

• Libertad Pumping Station
• Quiapo Pumping Station
• Tripa De Galina Pumping Station
• Pandacan Pumping Station
• Valencia Pumping Station
• Binondo Pumping Station
• Aviles Pumping Station
• Paco Pumping Station
• Makati Pumping Station
• Sta. Clara Pumping Station
• Balete Pumping Station
• Arroceros Pumping Station

According to the MMDA, the 12 pumping stations have been in operation for an average of 34 years. Under the rehabilitation project, the stations will receive much-needed repairs, including upgrades of pumps, engines, generators, floodgates, auxiliaries and other electrical components. Abad said the government is seriously investing in infrastructure upgrades for its flood-control strategy, as well as encouraging implementing agencies to execute their anti-flooding interventions as early as the summer season. The fund that will be used for the project was sourced from the Department of Public Works and Highway’s fund allocated for the implementation of its Flood and Management Master Plan under Continuing Appropriations from the 2012 budget. Aside from the rehabilitation project, the Budget department also confirmed that P1.07 billion more has been allocated to other high-impact flood control interventions, including procurement of additional flood control equipment, upgrading of earth dikes, widening and deepening of rivers, and the construction of additional pumping stations. The proposed projects would still be subject to approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). — KBK, GMA News