The Department of Budget and Management has released P1.6 billion to pay for repairs and upgrades of Metro Manila’s flood pumping stations, it said on Monday.
According to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, the money will come from the budget for the Flood and Management Master Plan of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“Inefficient pumping stations only undermine our flood-control efforts, so that even light or moderate rain showers can cause flooding in greater parts of Metro Manila. By now, we’re all too familiar with the consequences of inadequate flood control systems, including traffic jams, health hazards, and damaged property,” Abad said.
The pumping stations in Libertad, Quiapo, Tripa De Galina, Pandacan, Valencia, Binondo, Aviles, Paco, Makati, Sta. Clara, Balete, Arroceros will benefit from the repairs and upgrades.
Another P1.07 billion has been set aside for additional flood control equipment, the upgrading of earth dikes, the widening and deepening of rivers and the construction of additional pumping stations, Abad said.
In August 2012, parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces were affected by heavy flooding, prompting many local governments to declare a state of calamity.
