Squatters blamed for Metro floods

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials yesterday blamed anew the unabated encroachment of squatter shanties in the metropolis’ open canal system and esteros for the worsening flood problem.

What used to be a seven-hectare holding pond in the Pasay City portion of the 17-kilometer long Tripa de Gallina has been practically covered by ramshackle shanties reducing the water area to only two hectares.

Pumping Stations and Floodgates Division chief Francisco Imperial made observations yesterday after an ocular visit by DPWH officials of projects from Roxas Boulevard to Makati and the C-5 Road network up to Pateros and Marikina.

Imperial told DPWH Undersecretary Manuel Bonoan, National Capital Region Director Salvador Pleyto and other DPWH officials some two to three thousand squatter families have illegally constructed shanties on areas going to the Maricaban-Tramo Bridge.

The growing population there has contributed to the further siltation and clogging of the waterway, the official said.

A STAR source said that the department has written Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Jejomar Binay about the problem. To his credit, Binay has prodded Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad to do something about it. But the mayor has apparently turned a blind eye, the same source said. – Jerry Botial