The Manila city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are gearing up to roll out a series of flood-control and drainage upgrade projects aimed at mitigating chronic flooding along España Boulevard and surrounding areas in the capital.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected España Boulevard on Thursday, July 30, to evaluate recurring site conditions and map out vital infrastructure solutions to improve the area’s drainage capacity.
Planned Infrastructure Upgrades
Targeted to begin construction in September, the joint initiative includes:
- Drainage Improvements: Rehabilitation of existing networks, expansion of drainage inlets, and installation of trash traps to block waterway debris.
- Structural Interventions: Road elevation, construction of detention basins, and installation of four cross-grade drainage systems.
- Catch Basin Construction: Development of a large catch basin in Earnshaw, Sampaloc, designed to optimize water flow and alleviate flooding along España.
The planned cross-grade drainage facilities will connect directly to the Earnshaw, Uli-Uli, Aviles, and Valencia pumping stations, redirecting excess storm run-off into the city’s pumping network.
Traffic Warnings and Assurances
Both the DPWH and the Manila local government advised commuters and motorists to prepare for traffic delays and temporary disruptions once construction starts.
Acknowledging the impending inconvenience, Domagoso reassured the public that the project aims to deliver a long-term solution to the capital’s persistent flooding issues.
“Dadaloy din ang ginhawa,” the mayor said.
Officials emphasized that these upgrades are central to modernizing Manila’s aging drainage system, upgrading road conditions, and securing safer travel routes.
Ongoing Flood-Clearing Operations
In tandem with long-term infrastructure plans, the DPWH has maintained active flood-clearing operations across Metro Manila amid rains brought by a low-pressure area.
Maintenance teams performed manual clearing operations along major thoroughfares, including:
- Manila: Taft Avenue
- Mandaluyong City: Acacia Lane, Boni Avenue, and the EDSA-Ortigas intersection
- Pasig City: Imelda Avenue
The DPWH confirmed that floodwaters promptly receded following the clearing efforts. Round-the-clock response units remain stationed along key Metro Manila corridors to handle localized flooding and support commuter safety throughout the rainy season.