PoliticalArena.com

By KRIS BAYOS
August 23, 2009

The complete relocation of informal settlers on the banks of waterways in the metropolis remains one of the most vital steps to prevent heavy flooding like what happened over the weekend, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Sunday.

In an interview aired over radio station DZBB, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said that Metro Manila’s drainage system is ill-equipped to address the perennial flood problems besetting the national capital region.

“Hindi na kinakaya ng mga drainage system natin ang mga pagbahang tulad nito. [Kaya] importante talaga na lubusang ma-relocate ang mga informal settlers na naninirahan sa mga daang tubig.

“Maliit na nga ang mga drainage systems natin, mababarahan pa ng mga basura at dumi sa mga bahay-bahay,” Fernando said.

Despite the criticisms being thrown the agency’s way in its drive against informal settlers, the chairman added that the eradication of major impediments along waterways and drainage systems will contribute a lot to the agency’s flood control efforts, which he said are all a work in progress.

“Minamasama man ng ilan ang pagtataboy namin sa mga informal settlers, ito ho ang nararapat at makakabuti para sa lahat,” he added.

Overnight rains caused major thoroughfares in Metro Manila to become impassable to traffic Saturday
morning, stranding thousands of commuters. The cities of Manila, Quezon and Malabon are among those that were hit by floods as deep as two meters.

Fernando said at least 5,000 families residing along waterways are the foremost beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Shelter Program of the Metro Manila Inter-Agency on Informal Settlers.

Among the priority areas include 11th St. in Sta Cruz, Manila; San Juan River in Quezon City; Barangays 177, 135, 178, 179, 180, 181, and 182 in Pasay City; Old Balara along Commonwealth Avenue and Masambong and Manresa Streets in Quezon City.

In asking local government units to help the MMDA address the relocation of informal settlers, Fernando lauded Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing for filing a bill appropriating P3 billion for the resettlement of families living in danger areas whose houses have been demolished.

Manila Bulletin