In its continuing effort to reduce flooding during heavy downpour, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has urged local government officials to be on alert in issuing building permits and land development titles to land developers who build structures that block natural waterways.

Engr. Baltazar Melgar, MMDA Flood Control Management Service Chief, issued the warning after receiving information on the illegal activities of construction companies and developers who build their structures that encroach on natural waterways.

Melgar cited informal settlers dwelling on waterways along Rockville Subdivision in Bagbag, Novaliches, in Quezon City, which is frequently immersed in flood water.

During one of their operations, MMDA personnel asked the owner of the subject land to vacate the premises in order to alleviate the flooding problem in the area. However, Melgar said they were shocked to find out that a developer altered the natural waterway, was able to get a land title for it and subsequently sold it to the private company occupying the waterway.

Melgar said LGU officials who issued the permit on the private company are partly to be blamed for this problem.

“Whenever we demolish informal settlers, we are labeled as human rights violators. But we at the MMDA are only doing our jobs. It is for the good of the majority,” he said.

He stressed that the LGU officials must be vigilant in monitoring building constructions and land developments in their areas, particularly developers -- housing or commercial – making sure that their construction plans do not block natural waterways.

According to Melgar, these problems are rampant in private and villages. “What’s happening is that the developers or construction companies submit a compliant plan to the local engineering officials.Then after securing the necessary permit, they will change it altogether,” he noted.