Delays hound Metro Manila flood management project

A WORLD BANK-FUNDED flood control project in Metro Manila is facing delays at several sites due to administrative, resettlement and technical issues, before the project’s scheduled closing later this year.

In a June 7 disclosure, the World Bank said progress has continued in most pumping station rehabilitation works under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, but a number of locations remain behind schedule.

“Steady progress has been made across most pumping stations since the last review in February,” the bank said.

“However, a few sites continue to face delays due to administrative, resettlement, and technical challenges,” it added.

The World Bank urged the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Metro Manila Development Authority to closely monitor implementation and strictly follow the agreed action plan to address bottlenecks.

Approved in 2017, the project seeks to reduce flood risks in selected areas of the capital region through the rehabilitation and modernization of pumping stations and related infrastructure. The project is scheduled to close on Nov. 30.

The World Bank expects the project to provide improved flood protection to about 1.06 million people by the end of implementation.

As of May 18, however, the project had benefited 766,228 residents, equivalent to around 72.5% of the end-target.

The implementation status and results report also showed that only 19 pumping stations had been rehabilitated as of May 18, compared with the target of 34 stations by project completion.

Meanwhile, none of the four planned new pumping stations had been completed as of the same date.

The project has also yet to fully utilize its available financing.

World Bank data showed loan disbursements reached $232.72 million, or about 63% of the total $369.88-million funding allocation. — Justine Irish D. Tabile