MMDA to Conduct Joint Inspection for Quezon City Flooding
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced it will carry out a joint inspection next week to evaluate the flooding issues in Quezon City. This move aims to address the persistent flooding and traffic problems affecting key areas.
MMDA Chair Don Artes shared in a DZMM interview that they recently met with Quezon City officials to discuss the recent flood incidents. “The other day, there was really heavy traffic. One of the major contributors to that was the flooding, which happened for the first time,” he said.
He added that areas like Commonwealth Avenue and Elliptical Road experienced unusual flooding, which disrupted traffic and spilled over to EDSA. “For so long, it does not flood along Commonwealth Avenue and the Elliptical Road in Quezon City. The water rose. No one could pass through. The situation spilled over to EDSA,” Artes reported.
Coordinated Efforts to Address Flooding in Quezon City
To pinpoint the causes of flooding in these critical areas, the MMDA will join forces with the Quezon City government, Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for a comprehensive inspection. Operators and contractors from the Metro Rail Transit will also participate to help identify contributing factors in Commonwealth.
Meanwhile, Artes noted that damage to the Malabon-Navotas navigational gate contributed to flooding in nearby cities. “The navigational gate got damaged again. It was being reconstructed for two weeks. The contractor of DPWH was repairing that,” he said.
He emphasized that the gate, which has been in place for 25 years, often faces issues. “When one problem gets solved, it works for a while. Then suddenly, something else comes up. That navigational gate has been around for a while—25 years already,” Artes observed. He suggested it might be time for a replacement.
Flood Interventions for Vulnerable Roads
Chair Artes also discussed ongoing talks with DPWH to find solutions for frequent flooding in flood-prone roads like Araneta in Cubao and Banaue in Quezon City. “It’s really flooding there. Interventions are being done, but still not sufficient. So we’re also talking with the DPWH, and we’re looking for an immediate solution,” he said.
One proposal includes installing pumps to drain water quickly, as these low-lying areas collect rainwater from neighboring zones. The DPWH plans to build interceptors at pumping stations in Araneta to catch water before it floods the streets. These interceptors would pump out water to prevent accumulation.
However, Artes lamented challenges due to informal settlers, which complicate enforcement and project implementation. He also noted improvements in the España area, where an existing large pumping station is being upgraded to increase capacity and reduce flooding.
“When the upgrading has been finished, the pumping station will be next,” Artes added.
Additionally, medium-sized pumping stations are under construction along Taft Avenue and Remedios Street in Malate to alleviate flooding. “There in Taft, Remedios, the Dolomite Beach blocked the outfalls in that area. So, the one outfall that’s closed, we’ll open soon so that water can go down quickly,” he explained.
For more news and updates on Quezon City flooding, visit Filipinokami.com.