Why flood master plan will be completed in 2035

MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday explained why Malacañang's master plan to solve massive and perennial flooding in Metro Manila will take about 22 years to complete. Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said the flood control plan is expected to be finished by 2035 because these include long-term measures like the rehabilitation of watersheds in the Sierra Madre mountain range, construction of a dam, desilting of the Marikina River, and the construction of bigger drainage systems. But Singson said while major projects are being done, measures will be taken to ease flooding in the metro. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, said major clean-up operations along waterways are ongoing. Tolentino also said he has no rift with the DPWH on the agency's drainage projects. After the massive flooding and traffic jam on Monday, Tolentino said about 70 drainage projects of the DPWH were still unfinished. Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said no one is being blamed for the massive flooding in Metro Manila. Carandang also said while the national government is taking measures to relocate informal settlers along waterways, local government units are responsible for keeping these waterways clear. -- ANC