The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Sunday it will step up its anti-littering campaign this rainy season, as uncollected trash could have an adverse effect on the agency’s flood control pumping stations.

“We will improve coordination with the LGUs (local government units) and intensify our anti-littering drive,” MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes said Sunday.

The MMDA head cited the efficiency of pumping stations if the facilities—especially the water around it—is filled with garbage. The metropolis is dotted with about 50 small and big pumping stations.
“Even if there is not much rainfall, our pumping stations can’t function properly because of the piled-up garbage. The disastrous scenario that we experienced during typhoon “Ondoy” may occur again if we fail to stop these careless people from throwing garbage everywhere,” Inocentes said.

MMDA officials also announced the reopening Monday of the Morayta-Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes) portion of España Boulevard in Sampaloc, which has been elevated by 16 inches to stop the perennial floods on busy España in front of the University of Santo Tomas. Also repaired was Espana Blvd.’s drainage system.

Garbage piles tend to end up at waterways like drainages and canals, which then lead to waist-deep flood after heavy o slight rains, officials said.

As a precautionary measure, a “telemetry system,” composed of 20 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras has been installed at the pumping stations. Inocentes said these will provide the agency a good view if the flood control facilities are working properly, as well as monitor the level of floodwater.

Meanwhile, the MMDA has also been boosting its rescue capabilities on both water and land by gearing up on equipment.

“We will soon get 24 fiberglass boats, four rescue boats, and 100 rubber boats for our rescue operations,” Inocentes revealed Sunday in a radio program.

For roadside accidents, the MMDA has procured “rapid intersection tools” which enable its personnel to respond to up to eight mishaps at the same time. These tools are mostly composed of hydraulic and high-powered implements.

Inocentes said the agency will continue holding simulated field exercises to keep its personnel sharp and fast for rescue operations.