World · Philippines Bureau
Nearly a quarter of MMDA flood pumps out of service, audit finds
The Commission on Audit has identified 28 non-functional pumps across 119 stations operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, raising concerns about the capital's flood management capacity. The failures are largely attributed to delayed maintenance and rehabilitation work.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA—The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged significant operational shortcomings at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's flood control infrastructure, revealing that 28 of the authority's 119 pumping stations are currently unable to function.
The non-operational pumps represent nearly 24 percent of the MMDA's pumping capacity across Metro Manila's flood management network. According to the COA's findings, the widespread failures stem primarily from prolonged delays in necessary repair and rehabilitation work.
Under Republic Act No. 7924, the MMDA holds statutory responsibility for managing flood control operations throughout the Metropolitan Manila area, a role that requires all critical infrastructure to remain in operational readiness. The audit findings suggest the authority faces challenges in maintaining its equipment inventory at adequate functionality levels.
The discovery comes amid ongoing concerns about Metro Manila's vulnerability to flooding during heavy rainfall and typhoon seasons. Experts warn that reduced pumping capacity could hamper the region's ability to manage excess water effectively and protect residents from inundation.