Press Release - Gatchalian flags delay in Metro Manila flood management project ahead of La Niña

Senator Win Gatchalian flagged a delay in the implementation of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project saying the project is a critical preventive tool ahead of an expected weather aberration caused by the La Nina phenomenon.

"It's quite discouraging to see that the implementation is only 6.52% versus a target of 91% or a slippage of 84.48%," said Gatchalian, referring to the P23.50 billion flood control project. The legislator then called on the implementing agencies Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure that a catch-up initiative would be undertaken to bring the completion rate to a much higher level.

"This is a very important project considering that Metro Manila always experiences flooding during the rainy season or when there is intense rainfall," Gatchalian said at a recent meeting conducted by the Congressional Oversight Committee on Official Development Assistance (COCODA), presided by him and Congresswoman and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"Sa harap ng banta ng La Niña, kinakailangan nating magkaroon ng mga proyektong makakatugon sa posibleng masamang epekto ng malakas na pag-ulan at pagbaha. Kung matapos sana ang proyekto ayon sa itinakdang petsa, malaki ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga kababayan hanggang sa mga huling bahagi ng taon kung kailan inaasahang mananatili ang La Niña," Gatchalian said.

The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank each provide $207.60 million in concessional loans to finance the project. The loan became effective in March 2018 and is scheduled to close in November this year. Cumulative disbursements total P6.92 billion or 29.44% of the total project cost while cumulative loan drawdowns stand at $72.78 million, accounting for only 17.53% of the total loan amount of $415.20 million.

The chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means asked the DPWH for an alternative plan that would enable it to achieve its goal of minimizing solid waste. He also asked the DPWH on its plan to modernize drainage areas. Based on a report from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), this component of the flood management project requires