Sections 2-402 to 2-405 shall take effect from and after February 11, 1929, but nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the Mayor of the District of Columbia from proceeding according to the terms and provisions hereof to settle any claim or suit pending on February 11, 1929, irrespective of the date of presentation of the claim to the Mayor of the District of Columbia or the date of the filing of the suit.