The Manila Bay Dolomite Beach, touted by authorities as beneficial to Filipinos' mental health, will remain closed for rehabilitation works, its operator said Thursday.
The artificial patch of white sand was supposed to stay closed only until Nov. 3 to avoid another crowding incident after tens of thousands flocked to the area ahead of Undas.
"...nais po naming ipabatid sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na ang Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach ay mananatili pong nakasara. Hinihingi po ang inyong pasenya at pang-unawa," the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said in a statement Wednesday.
Among the remaining projects to be finished this year or until the first quarter of 2022 according to the DENR is the rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems so that the public could soon swim in the area too.
"Tututukan po natin ngayon, ang paglilinis ng tubig sa Manila Bay upang sa ganon hindi na lamang pasyal ang maaaring gawin ng ating mga kababayan sa dolomite area, kundi pati ang pagligo at paglangoy, sa nalalapit na panahon," the DENR said.
The Manila Dolomite Beach reopened on Oct. 16 and quickly attracted throngs of people, raising questions on the implementation of minimum public health standards by authorities.
READ:
Retired General Now in Charge of Dolomite Beach to Prevent Crowding
Dolomite Beach is Closed for Kids Aged 12 and Below: DENR
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