Construction has begun on a water detention basin at Rajah Sulayman Plaza in Malate, Manila, as part of efforts to help ease flooding in the area during the rainy season.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday that the basin will be capable of storing an amount of rainwater equivalent to about one and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the project is intended to help address the recurring flooding problem in the area.

Dizon also noted that President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has also ordered the implementation of similar water detention basin projects in other vacant lots, along with upgrades to drainage systems and pumping stations.

The measures are aimed at addressing severe flooding in Metro Manila during the rainy season, the DPWH said.