BOOSTER PUMPS. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the installation of booster pumps to help address flooding in the areas of Tondo, Sta. Cruz and Quiapo, Manila. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan reported on Friday (Sept. 8, 2023) that submersible axial pumps were installed to increase discharge and carrying capacity of Estero dela Reina and Estero de Quiapo and efficiently move water away from vulnerable locations. (Photo from DPWH-NCR) 

MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has installed multi-million worth booster pumps to help address flooding in the areas of Tondo, Sta. Cruz and Quiapo in the city of Manila.

In a statement on Friday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said submersible axial pumps were installed to increase discharge and carrying capacity of Estero dela Reina and Estero de Quiapo, and efficiently move water away from vulnerable locations.

According to the report of DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) Director Loreta Malaluan, the project along Estero dela Reina in District 3, Sta. Cruz, Manila involves the installation of four-unit submersible axial flow pumps that can each discharge one cubic meter of floodwater per second.

The undertaking is implemented by the DPWH North Manila District Engineering Office (DEO).

“Installation of booster pumps are among the priority projects of DPWH in the flood-prone areas of Manila as these will not only drain large amount of floodwater from the low-lying areas to the main drainage and to Manila Bay, but also separate debris from floodwaters therefore prevent clogging of waterways,” the DPWH chief said.

The project includes a complete set of pumps and accessories, including a pump house, generator sets, conveyor belt and automatic trash rakes that readily remove trash and other floating debris from entering and clogging the installed pumps.

Another four units of submersible axial pumps with similar provisions and discharge capacities were also installed along the Estero de Quiapo.

DPWH North Manila District engineer Gerard Opulencia said the completed flood-control projects were allocated with PHP300 million each under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

He said the pumps will undergo full testing and commissioning before being turned over within the year.

Meanwhile, Bonoan said DPWH North Manila DEO is also working on another three-unit submersible axial flow pump along Estero de la Reina’s portion in Barangay 9, Tondo.

The project scheduled to be finished in 2024 will complement the completed booster pump in Manila’s third district. (PNA)