603 tons of trash collected in pumping stations, flooded areas in Metro Manila

A total of 603 tons of garbage were collected in 71 pumping stations and during the cleanup drive in various flooded areas in Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported on Wednesday, July 23.

- BY AARON RECUENCO

MMDA chief information officer Sharon Gentalian said 526.8 tons of trash were collected from the pumping stations from July 18 to 22 while around 26.37 truckloads of garbage were collected in various flooded parts of Metro Manila from July 21 to 22. Gentalian said the 26.37 truckload of garbage translates to around 80 tons of trash.

With the extent of the garbage disposal woes, the MMDA even came up with the historical data of garbage-based flooding in the metropolis.

"We have already identified 49 areas where we are sure that the reason for the flooding is due to garbage blocking the drainage system and the waterways," said MMDA chairman Don Artes in a Palace press briefing.