MMDA plans to build a linear park along San Juan River

This file photo taken on Sept. 25, 2019, shows then-Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on a boat navigating the heavily polluted San Juan River. (File photo from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources)

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday announced its plan to construct a linear park along the San Juan River as part of its effort to upgrade waterways and flood control systems and rehabilitate the overall health of the river.

The project is part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) that aims to reduce the vulnerability to and strengthen resilience against floods.

“With the low water quality due to the high liquid and solid waste present due to the informal settlements present along the easement, the MMDA aims to upgrade the easement of waterways to protect geological formation of the river bank, ensure proper solid waste management in the area, and encourage social activities that are more beneficial to the community,” acting MMDA Chair Don Artes said.

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Additionally, Artes said clearing waterways of informal settler families would be greatly beneficial to the environment.

“ISF-free [informal settler families] easements will result in unimpeded flow of water and reduced flooding,” he said.

“Reduced volume of waste will help in improving the sanitation conditions in the communities along the waterways and optimizing the flood control functions of waterways and drainage channels leading to pumping stations as targeted by the Metro Manila Flood Management Project,” he added.

ISFs near the riverbanks will be relocated to a housing area, according to Interior Secretary Behur Abalos Jr.

For his part, Housing Secretary Jerry Acuzar for his part said that the rehabilitation initiatives for the San Juan River would extend to Manila and Quezon City.

“This project will signify the start of beautification of the environment and the whole metropolis,” he said.