Flooding in Munti to be solved soon?

By JONATHAN M. HICAP (mb.com.ph)

June 19, 2011, 3:19pm

MANILA, Philippines — A new drainage network covering the nine barangays in Muntinlupa City is being proposed as the solution to the perennial flooding in the city.

The proposal was aired by the City Engineering Department during a recent public hearing called by the City Council’s Committee on Engineering, Public Works and Infrastructure to tackle the flooding in Muntinlupa, particularly in the coastal areas.

When Typhoon Ondoy swept Metro Manila in September 2009, it left many communities in Muntinlupa submerged for weeks.

The engineering department suggested the construction of a new drainage system on a six-meter road right of way beside the railroad track of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) from Tunasan to Sucat.

The system will be built parallel to the track and will also serve as an alternate route for tricycles and motorcycles and a barrier against the proliferation of squatters.

City officials noted that the PNR property is the only open space in Muntinlupa where a new drainage system can be built.

The PNR is willing to give right of way permit for the project, officials said.

Funding for the project is the remaining problem.

The Muntinlupa government may request the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fund the construction of the drainage system.