Garbage clogs floodwater pumping stations in Manila

Massive clumps of garbage are clogging water pumping stations used to hasten the draining of floodwater in Metro Manila, data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority shows.

According to a report on 24 Oras by Ivan Mayrina on Tuesday, the MMDA data shows that up to 8,000 cubic meters of garbage found its way to the national capital region's 57 floodwater pumping stations in 2017.

After three days of heavy rainfall, the debris clogging the conveyor of the large Tripa de Gallina station in Pasay City includes logs, a refrigerator, and an entire sofa.

MMDA flood control division head Noel Santos warned that the problem could result in damaged equipment and severe flooding.

"Kung sobra naman ang dami ng basura ng pumping station, nagiging problema natin, kailangan matanggal muna o masala lahat ng basura bago tayo makapag-bomba dahil kapag pumasok ito sa mga propeller ng bomba natin, 'yan ang makakasira sa bomba ng pumping stations," he said.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said clearing the garbage from the pumping stations stalls other efforts to get rid of the floodwater.

"Itong pumping stations natin, hindi ito magsasabing mawawala ang baha. Kung dati, aabot ng 12 hours overnight ang isang kalsada para madaanan, ngayon ang target namin, two to three hours ma-pump out 'yung mga tubig para maging passable na. Ang problema, hinhinto nga namin because of this garbage," Garcia said.

According to the report, the MMDA wants additional pumping stations to ease the flooding.

The agency also reminded the public and the local governments about their role in waste management.

"'Yun ang kailangan talaga eh, discipline. Dapat ultimo sa maliit hanggang sa pinakamalaking basura, 'wag nating itapon kung saan-saan," Santos said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News