Malacañang is asking....

.... san napunta ang budget para sa flood control!

MMDA asked to explain ‘wasted’ P1-billion flood warning system
October 10, 2009, 7:24pm

Malacañang said on Saturday that it will ask Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando to explain the P1-billion flood warning system allegedly put to waste, which could have prevented the massive flooding during the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy” in the metropolis.

“We’re asking MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando to explain this both to the public and to the Cabinet to the satisfaction of all because this is a serious issue indeed,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said.

moro moro lang yan cerge. pero just in case hindi sagutin or bolahin ka ni BF.... baka napunta dito.

Reports said that the P1-billion flood warning system had been neglected following its transfer to the MMDA.

The flood warning system could have cushioned the adverse effects, particularly the heavy flooding experienced in the metropolis in late September during the lashing of tropical storm “Ondoy.

Based on a report by Newsbreak, the Japanese project Effective Flood Control Operation System (EFCOS) could have minimized casualties if the flood warning equipment and devices had reportedly been well maintained when it was transferred to the MMDA.

The flood warning system reportedly amounted to P1.1 billion, aimed at controlling flood control operations for the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake.

The Japanese government had pegged P600-million for the first phase of the project, which was completed in 1992 while the second phase, at P500-million was funded through a grant by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which was completed in 2001. The project was turned over to the MMDA in 2002. (Madel Sabater)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/224132/mmda-asked-explain-wasted-p1billion-flood-warning-system