10/11/2010 [ tribune.net.ph ]
Belgian firm Baggerwerken Decloedt & Zoon (BDZ) has completed the dredging of a 17-kilometer stretch of the Pasig River and turned over the project to the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) during rites at the Makati Park near the Guadalupe ferry station.
The Belgian firm also urged Metro Manila residents and those living in the Marikina Watershed to take good care of the Pasig River to reduce siltation and revive the waterway.
“As long as it is considered an open sewer rather than as part of the natural environment of Metro Manila, the ongoing ‘abuse’ of the Pasig River will continue. All will come to nothing if people do not put the Pasig River back into their hearts,” the BDZ said in a statement.
At least 2.5 million cubic meters of silt were recovered from the river and deepened the waterway to allow bigger boats and barges to navigate in the project that was finished two months ahead of schedule.
A deeper Pasig River is needed to improve its water holding capacity and help ease flooding in the metropolis, the officials added.
BDZ is the same company that proposed and planned the dredging project for the 94,900-hectare Laguna Lake, a catch basin that needs to be deepened to relieve the National Capital Region and Laguna of flooding woes.
The firm’s officials noted the government’s campaign to clean up the esteros and engage in an education drive among residents to substantially reduce the dumping of waste in the Pasig River “are most welcome since it would reduce siltation and prevent pollutants from ruining the integrity of the waterway.”
The company thanked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government officials for supporting the project which was provided financial support by the Belgian government.
“While the Pasig River Dredging Works were scheduled for completion in December 2010, the dredging works went ahead of schedule and finished this month,” the BDZ said in a statement.
“To allow for its overall rehabilitation, further work will be required on the revetment works along the Pasig River, the sewage systems leading into the Pasig River, and the rules and regulations on dumping of waste and emissions,” it added. PNA
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