MMDA set to repair 12 pumping stations in Manila, other cities

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to repair and rehabilitate flood-pumping stations in its North Metro Manila Flood District which covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava) and the West Metro Manila Flood District which covers Manila at a cost of near P1 billion.

According to MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations, Emerson Carlos, the repair will cover 12 pumping stations.

In its invitation to bids,  the MMDA, through its Bids and Awards Committee, is inviting potential contractors for the project.

The MMDA has set aside P495.6 million from the national fund for the repair and rehabilitation of the pumping stations in the North Metro Manila Flood District, and P438.6 million for the pumping stations in the West Metro Manila Flood District.

"There is a need for an overhaul of these pumping stations. The timetable for the repair will depend on the winning contractors. But definitely, the repair will not be completed within this year," said Carlos.

Earlier, the Department of Budget and Management released P1.6 billion for the repair of the 12 flood pumping stations in Metro Manila.

The MMDA earlier said that out of the 51 pumping stations, 12 need repair.

Among the pumping stations that need immediate repair according to the MMDA are the Libertad, Quiapo, Tripa de Galina, Pandacan, Valencia, Binondo, Aviles, Paco, Makati, Sta. Clara, Balete and the Arroceros stations.

According to Carlos, the MMDA’s pumping stations are designed to pump out between 80 millimeters and 90 mm of floodwater per hour. However, because of age and disrepair, these pumping stations are no longer operating at their full capacity.

"We need to make the repairs and improve their capacities," said Carlos.

As part of the rehabilitation work, the old diesel pumps at the 12 pumping stations will be converted to electric-powered ones. The diesel pumps have been working at these pumping stations since the 1970s, the MMDA said.

MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office chief, Engr. Maxima Quaimbao,  earlier said an electric powered pump is more efficient at pumping out floodwater as compared to a diesel pump.

To ensure that pumping stations would continue to function even if the electricity supply is affected during typhoons and other calamities, the MMDA said generator sets will also be installed at the stations.

The MMDA spends about P50 million a year for the fuel needs of its 22 major pumping stations in the metropolis. For 24 hours of operation, a pumping station needs 6, 000 liters of diesel. The agency operates about 51 major and minor pumping stations.