Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando ordered yesterday the dismantling of all illegal structures occupying road right-of-way, saying these structures constitute traffic obstructions and hazards, and contribute to flooding in Metro Manila.

He issued the order after the MMDA Flood Control Unit traced the clogging of inlets to soaps, detergents and grease from car wash, vulcanizing and auto shops.

MMDA Flood Control Unit Director Baltazar Melgar explained that grease and the chemical components of soaps and detergents stick to the drainage system like super glue, obstructing the flow of rainwater.

He said grease is made of thick tenacious materials that stick to water inlets, thus impeding the flow of water into the inlets.

Fernando said the grease, oil slick and discarded chemicals indiscriminately dumped into inlets cause the murky and dark color of some of Metro Manila’s river system.

The MMDA chief urged car wash, vulcanizing and auto shops and other similar establishments to install grease traps to prevent polluted water from getting into the drainage system.

MMDA Deputy General Manager and Flood Control Unit chief Cesar Lacuna warned illegitimate shops occupying roads that they face apprehension once caught by the MMDA personnel.

He cautioned fly-by-night car wash and vulcanizing shop owners to desist from using government properties for their business to avoid confiscation of their equipment worth hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Lacuna also asked legal car shop owners offering similar services to ensure that their establishments are equipped with grease traps and other government-required gadgets to avoid inconvenience.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said structures built on sidewalks also pose hazards to pedestrians who are forced to walk on the streets instead of the sidewalks.

He reiterated that sidewalks are beyond the commerce of men. No local government unit  will issue permits for vendors to illegally sell their wares on sidewalks, he said.