MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday issued a series of directives aimed at preparing the city and its residents for the entry of the so-called “wet summer” and the actual rainy season.         

During the regular department heads meeting yesterday, Lim ordered a clean-up drive in all creeks, canals and other waterways in preparation for the rainy season, stressing the need to keep all waterways free of garbage which may cause clogging and subsequently bring about floods.  

He likewise directed barangay bureau director Atty. Analyn Buan to undertake the necessary information dissemination in the barangay level on how to dispose garbage properly and keep their surroundings clean at all times. 

Lim also gave specific instructions to ensure that there are no missing manholes, as this would pose grave danger to the lives of innocent commuters and pedestrians.  

While the problem of flood control rests with the national government, Lim expressed belief that the local government units should do their part by pinpointing the problem areas and doing something about it within their capacity.                        

The mayor cited the destruction brought about by “Ondoy,” where  clogged up waterways somehow contributed to the fast rise of floodwaters in a lot of areas in the country.

Lim also directed the directors of the six city-run hospitals -- Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo, Justice Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital, Ospital ng Sampaloc and the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center -- to increase their readiness to accept victims of season-related illnesses.  

Those in charge of the 53 health centers in the city were directed to ensure that the centers are always manned amply and that their basic supplies are complete. With Milenette Sarah Uy & Adrian Stewart Co