Monday, April 28, 2008 Arroyo orders quick rehab of Pasig River
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared that the dredging and rehabilitation of the Pasig River is a presidential priority project that should be implemented immediately.
Arroyo, in signing Executive Order (EO) 717, ordered the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to take the lead in the implementation of the project and directed all government departments and agencies to fully cooperate for the "timely and smooth execution of the project."
She said the Pasig River has deteriorated very fast over the years due to unabated disposal of human sewage from houses and industrial wastes from factories along its banks.
She said the river is the catch basin of floodwaters from several tributaries from upstream areas of the metropolis and is a very important conduit to mitigate the flooding in most areas of Metro Manila. She said its dredging will increase the carrying capacity of the river.
Arroyo also said that the river is a vital link in the transport of goods and its rehabilitation would be beneficial for the development of Metro Manila.
"The Pasig River, being a natural navigational route and strategic location, remains a viable alternative for decongesting the road network system of Metro Manila and its environs, thus positively utilizing the river for increasing commerce and industry," she said.
She added that people living near or along the Pasig River have the right to live in an environment that is free from pollution and unsanitary conditions. (JMR/Sunnex)
