Lofty MMDA footbridge costs P10 million

The newly-constructed, steep MMDA footbridge located on Edsa-Kamuning in Quezon City, which has drawn flak from the public, costs P10 million.

“Yes, it is [worth] P10 million. Kasama kasi [sa cost ang] solar powered lights [ng footbridge]," Metro Manila Development Authority spokesperson Celine Pialago told GMA News Online in a text message.

Pialago had said in an earlier interview with Unang Balita that the new footbridge, which will be open to the public on November 15, is safe and approved by competent engineers.

“It is safe. Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling 'yung kumento ng ating mga kababayan na 'di [siya] safe,” she added.

Pialago, however, conceded that the pedestrian bridge is steep and is not for everybody after she tried to cross the footbridge herself with GMA News reporter Bam Alegre.

“It not intended for senior citizens, PWDs (Persons with Disabilities). We identified this spot for the footbridge because this is an accident prone area. Iyang baba na 'yan, pinipilit po ng mga pedestrian na tumawid diyan,” Pialago said.

“Saktong sakto lang naman ang paa mo, ang lakad mo, may kaunti lang hassle kasi nga medyo steep. But at the end of the day, we cannot compromise safety just because you don't like the structure,” she added.

Based on MMDA records, at least 10 pedestrians figure in accidents in the area every month.

But for Alberto Suansing, secretary general of the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership, crossing the steep footbridge could be a challenge.

“Challenge 'yan, lalo na kung may height sickness ka. Kung pababa ka naman, mahirap rin 'yung pasulong [mo],” Suansing said.

“Dapat maglagay na lang ng elevator para sa mga PWD at elderly,” he added. — LDF, GMA News