Solutions mulled to flooding on service roads in south

Following last month’s heavy downpour that resulted in flooding in many areas in Metro Manila, representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Skyway O&M Corp. (Somco) held a meeting to discuss ways of resolving the flooding problem on the East and West Service Roads between Merville in Parañaque and Alabang in Muntinlupa.

On May 31, floodwater from the East Service Road between Tanyag and Sucat spilled onto the South Luzon Expressway and caused heavy traffic in the vicinity of the Sucat southbound exit.

On top of this, a creek at the Raya Garden section overflowed, flooding the West Service Road and eventually, a nearby portion of the expressway.

During the meeting, MMDA and DPWH representatives asked Somco to continue monitoring the flood-prone areas and submit possible solutions to the problem. According to the DPWH, it has a budget of P30 million for improving the drainage system on the service roads after the MMDA noted that the existing one was apparently unable to deal with a large volume of rainfall.

Somco, meanwhile, said it would continue its flood control program which includes the regular cleaning of inlets and cross drains on the at-grade section of the Skyway System.

Meanwhile, Somco said that motorists can call the Skyway hotline at 7767777, 0917-9005248,   0919-5601163 or 0923-953-6189 if they want updates on the traffic situation at the Skyway System, especially during heavy downpours.