(Photo courtesy of MMDA)
MANILA – Over 3,104 cubic meters of garbage, equivalent to 841.34 tons, has been collected as of Sunday from affected areas in Marikina City and San Mateo in Rizal which were left devastated by Typhoon Ulysses, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
In a news release, MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said clearing operations would continue until areas affected by the typhoon are clean and safe.
At least 150 personnel are assigned to assist the local governments of Marikina and San Mateo, Rizal, in their clearing operations. The MMDA also dispatched heavy equipment such as dump trucks, and pay loaders.
“Our personnel shall continue rendering assistance to affected residents until local government units’ rehabilitation works are completed. We are always ready to help in restoring normalcy in the affected communities,” Lim said.
Areas of operation in Marikina City are in Barangays Malanday, Sto. Niño and Tañong, particularly Provident Village, while areas of operation in San Mateo, Rizal are in Barangays Guitnang Bayan, Banaba, and Sta. Ana.
Francis Martinez, MMDA Metroparkways Clearing Group head, said it would take several weeks more before Marikina and San Mateo are totally rid of garbage and mud left by floodwaters brought by "Ulysses" last Nov. 12.
Garbage includes broken appliances, furniture, equipment, soiled stuff and clothing. Residents opt to throw these trash away as they are soaked in floodwater.
“Garbage is also starting to emit foul odor so we are fast-tracking its collection. Based on our estimate, we can collect a year’s worth of trash in Marikina City from the thousands of homes affected by the typhoon in the city,” said Martinez.
"Ulysses" caused massive flooding in some parts of Metro Manila and Rizal.
On Nov. 17, Lim distributed face masks, face shields, and relief bags donated by Philippine Hardware Foundation and St. Stephen High School Alumni Association when he inspected severely-damaged areas in Barangay Malanday, Marikina.
At the height of “Ulysses”, the agency was one of the first responders to conduct rescue and evacuation operations in Marikina City. San Mateo, Rizal also sought the assistance of the MMDA in its ongoing clearing operations. (PR)
