DOTC chief to oversee completion of MRT-2

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza has been officially appointed to have overall supervision of the Metro Rail Transit-2 (MRT-2) project.

In a recent congressional committee hearing chaired by Negros Rep. Jerome Paras, Mendoza said President Arroyo has directed him to take charge of the long-delayed project and fast-track its completion.

"This would end speculations on the alleged rift between me and presidential adviser on strategic projects Gloria Tan Climaco, and ensure the speedy implementation of the MRT projects," he said.

The DOTC chief said the immediate completion of the P9.5-million MRT-2 is necessary as it will solve the country’s traffic problem and will provide relief to millions of Metro Manila commuters.

The project, which was approved in July, will link the MRT-3 with the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), credited for the completion on time and within budget of the EDSA MRT, won the MRT-2 project. Mendoza said he also supports a supplemental agreement with the MRTC group for the completion of the project.

"The project will provide seamless railway travel around Metro Manila," he said.

DOTC spokesman Thompson Lantion assured the public that there will be no delay in the implementation of the MRT-2 project from North Avenue-EDSA in Quezon City to Monumento, Caloocan.

"The project will push through as scheduled. The President is committed to make it operational to complete the MRT loop," Lantion said, adding that the target completion is in 2005.

He said the DOTC is set to complete the remaining 5.1-kilometer stretch from North Avenue to Monumento after it was approved by the National Economic Development Authority.