MMDA defends P10-million Kamuning footbridge

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday defended the construction of a footbridge across EDSA in Kamuning, Quezon City.

A photo of the P10-million footbridge, which goes over the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) railway went viral on social media after netizens said it is not accessible to the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disability.

MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said the footbridge was built to prevent pedestrians from being victimized by thieves or run over by vehicles as they crossed EDSA.

“It is not designed for senior citizens and PWDs. Inilagay muna natin ito temporary para at least maiwasan lang po natin iyung patintero sa kalsada,” Garcia said.

“Kapag tinanggal ‘yan, wala na option ang mga tao na tumawid,” he added. 

Based on the MMDA’s data, at least three pedestrians died and 10 others were injured in vehicular accidents in the area in 2016.

Garcia explained that the bridge’s height should be three to four meters above the catenary wires or power lines of the MRT-3 for safety reasons.

The footbridge is expected to be finished before the year ends. 

The MMDA received flak over the footbridge, which netizens described as a “stairway to heaven.”