Marikina asks MMDA for help to declog drains

MANILA, Philippines – The city government of Marikina is seeking the help of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino in declogging their drainage system to prevent another flood similar to that brought about by tropical storm “Ondoy” last year.

Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman said they lack personnel and equipment to declog the city’s drainage system. He alleged that former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando cleaned the city streets of mud and garbage but their drainage system was left clogged up.

“Because of our clogged drainage system, the water level easily rises during downpours and the city government is not properly equipped to deal with the problem,” De Guzman told reporters who paid him a courtesy call yesterday.

Marikina City was among the hardest hit by Ondoy when it struck the country in September last year.

De Guzman claimed that only P200 million budget was left behind by his predecessor, Marides Fernando, as P800 million was already appropriated to projects.

“We have no budget left to buy the necessary equipment to declog our drainage system, that’s why we are asking for help from MMDA Chairman Tolentino,” he said.

He added that they could not rely on a “mano-mano” system in declogging the city’s drainage system because of the absence of funds to pay the hired workers.

De Guzman said they have set aside seven percent of their current tax collections as a “calamity” fund but this would not be enough once another typhoon hits Marikina.

Tolentino is set to preside over the Metro Manila Council meeting in Marikina City on Aug. 5 and De Guzman said he would bring up the issue with the MMDA chief.

Tolentino is set to discuss with the Metro Manila mayors his plan to implement a unified traffic violation ticketing system, the number coding and the problems brought about by flooding.