The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday, January 15, announced the building of a linear park along the San Juan River easement to reduce waste clogging waterways and drainage systems.

According to MMDA chair Romando Artes, the linear park would have greeneries, material recovery facilities, a rain harvesting facility, and a sewage treatment plant that would ensure clean water flowing from the San Juan River to the Pasig River.

“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,” Artes said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said the initiative would “revive the glory days” of what the Pasig River used to be.

“On this site will rise housing for informal settler families (ISFs) in the area. Along with the project is the rehabilitation and beautification of tributaries connected to the Pasig River, anchored in reviving the glory days of the river,” Abalos said.

Meanwhile, Artes underscored that cleaning the waterways from informal settlers would be favorable to the environment.

“ISF-free easements will result in unimpeded flow of water and reduced flooding,“ the MMDA chief 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.