MMDA says viral footbridge is only 'for the healthy'
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) admitted on Tuesday that the footbridge in Quezon City that went viral was simply not for everyone.
"It's not designed for [people with disabilities] or seniors. This is only designed sa mga healthy," MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia told CNN Philippines' The Source.
"So this kind of footbridge... hindi iyan nilagay dyan para i-cater lahat. Ang kinater natin dito, yung tumatakbo't namamatay diyan, malakas yung loob," he added.
The P10-million steel footbridge went viral as the public criticized its design, structure, and how conducive it was for public use. It is located between the GMA-Kamuning and Quezon Avenue MRT stations, which is a 20-minute walk apart. The design of the bridge, a steep-looking incline, prompted netizens to dub it nicknames like "stairway to heaven" and "Mount EDSA."
But the MMDA insists that they consulted professional engineers when constructing the bridge. Garcia further maintained that the area was prone to accidents because pedestrians often try to cross the major thoroughfare. Any gaps between the north and southbound lanes have since been closed to prevent people from crossing.
"Ako, makapagligtas lang ng isang buhay diyan, I think tapos na ang purpose niyan," said Garcia.
(Translation: For me, as long as that saves one life, I think its purpose has been served.)
"Kaya namin nilagay iyan, at least may option ang tao (That's why I put that there, so that people can have options)," he added.
Garcia also maintained that the MMDA would consult the Department of Public Works and Highways and was still open to suggestions on how to improve the bridge. He said solar lights and a wire fence would be installed on it before it opens for public use on November 15.
Apart from constructing new and improving current footbridges, the MMDA aims to remove 46 provincial bus terminals along EDSA by January 2019.
Watch the full interview here.
