MANILA (PIA)—In what appears to be an ironic twist, a city known for its perennial flooding woes found innovative flood management strategies forming part of the highlights at the Smart Cities Asia Conference 2024 held in Bangsar South in Malaysia.
According to Malabon City Administrator Alexander Rosete, the city government presented its flood management strategies, embarking on the use of advanced technology in tackling environmental challenges.
Rosete, in his capacity as representative of the northern metropolis, delved into how Malabon, which hosts some 400,000 residents and is situated near Manila Bay, has been dealing with typhoon-induced floods and rising sea levels. He highlighted the local government’s proactive measures to enhance emergency response and urban planning.
“Given our city’s low-lying location and extensive waterways, we have adopted innovative strategies to mitigate flooding risks and improve safety for our residents,” said Rosete, about the implementation of various technologies, including water-level sensors, rain gauges, and CCTV cameras, to monitor weather and waterway conditions.
These tools, he added, are complemented by hazard maps and early warning sirens, designed to provide timely alerts and minimize flooding impacts.
Collaborating efforts with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways, Malabon operates 50 pumping stations to manage water flow, especially in flood-prone areas.
Notably, two automated pumping stations—Catmon PS and Spine PS—located in nearby Caloocan are capable of independently facilitating rapid water discharge during emergencies.
Rosete underscored the importance of the Smart Cities initiative in addressing the complex challenges of urbanization. “As cities grow, they face intricate issues related to infrastructure and resource management,” he explained. “Embracing smart technologies provides a pathway to effectively tackle these challenges through data-driven decision-making.”
He also emphasized the significance of strong partnerships with stakeholders and active community involvement in building resilience. “Our commitment as public servants, along with the participation of Malabon’s residents, is vital in making our city a livable, safe, and sustainable place,” Rosete noted.
The Smart Cities Asia Conference served as a valuable platform for professionals and policymakers to exchange ideas and strategies for urban innovation and sustainability. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
