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By APD Writer Melo M. Acuna
Manila, Sept. 29 (APD)– The partnership between the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and The World Bank has been realized as both institutions will now provide flood management in select drainage areas in Metro Manila.
In a statement released by World Bank in Manila early Friday morning, Thursday afternoon in Washington, flood events during the typhoon season from June to October, are a recurring problem in Metro Manila.
Floods cause inundation of roads and aggravate traffice congestion and destroy lives, infrastructure and livelihood people, particularly the poor.
Under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, 36 existing pumping stations will be modernized, 20 new ones will be constructed along with supporting infrastructure along critical warerways in the cities of Manila, Pasay, Taguig, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Valenzuela, Quezon City and Caloocan.
Many of Metro Manila’s existing pumping stations were built in the 1970s and have been inefficient and underperforming.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Aguilar Villar said the government is taking an important step in the implementation of its master plan designed to safely control floods in the National Capital Region and the surrounding areas.
In a statement released by World Bank – Manila, it has been found solid waste clogs waterways and the entries to pumping stations, affecting the operation and maintenance of the pumps.
The project will improve the management of solid waste within the villages near the drainage systems served by the pumping stations.
It will also support the government’s resettlement of informal settlers located on waterways.
The project will cost US 500 million of which US 207.6 million will come from the World Bank as approved by its Board of Executive Directors yesterday while AIIB will provide another US$ 207.6 million, approved separately by its Board of Directors on Wednesday, September 27.
The Philippine government will provide the remaining US$ 84.79 million.
“Recurrent flooding has made life more difficult for the poorest populations who live in low-lying areas, on riverbanks and in other danger zones,” Mara Warwick, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand said.
She added when floods occur, the capacity of people to earn a living is constrained, and many can fall back into poverty.
She further said investments that can improve flood management helps protect vulnerable communities as well as boost resilience agains tht impact of climate change.
Meanwhile, Supee Teravaninthorn, Director General for Investment Operations of AIIB said the lives of the poorest population living in low-lying areas are severely affected by exposure to frequent cyclones and flooding induced by heavy rain.
The AIIB official said investing in sustainable infrastructure is a key priority for his bank.
“We feel this project is a great fit for our first investment in the Philippines, Teravaninthorn further said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways and Metro Manila Development Authority will implement the project in close coordination with local governments and key shelter agencies.
The project is scheduled to begin this year and be accomplished by 2024.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
