DPWH unfinished projects worsened Metro flooding?

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has several unfinished drainage projects in Metro Manila which could have contributed to the flooding of several  streets in the Metro, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said these unfinished drainage and pipe projects could have contributed to the nagging flood woes of Metro Manila this rainy season.

"The DPWH has so many unfinished projects that should be rushed especially this rainy season," Tolentino said during the agency's weekly radio program "MMDA sa GMA" last Sunday over dzBB.

Tolentino said the DPWH has some 100 ongoing drainage improvement and road work projects in the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Pasay, Quezon City, Taguig, Pasay, and Las Pinas.

Tolentino added that in Manila alone, the DPWH has some 20 ongoing road reblocking and drainage improvement projects, particularly in Tayuman, Escolta, Carriedo, Blummentritt, Laon Laan and Abad Santos streets.

According to Tolentino, he has ordered Noemie Recio, who is the director of the MMDA's traffic engineering center, to meet with DPWH officials this week on the said matter.

Meanwhile, the MMDA will be deploying additional traffic personnel during the rainy season to man the traffic and provide assistance to motorists and commuters.

Tolentino said the 50 members from the MMDA's Rescue Battalion will be deployed in graveyard shifts from Monday to Friday to help the public especially during a heavy downpour.