Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Construction of MRT extension begins
EXTENSION of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) from North Avenue in Quezon City to Monumento in Caloocan City is "a go now."
Press Secretary Jesus Dureza made the announcement after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued Tuesday the appropriate documents including construction permits to the project officers and engineers.
Dureza said the MRT-Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 loop project was among the topics discussed during the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda)-Cabinet meeting in Malacañang.
He said the problem stemmed from the MMDA's refusal to issue some permits until the contractors are able to meet existing requirements, which eventually delayed the start of the project.
"There were some things that have to be cleared out among the MMDA, the contractor and the project officials, and they were able to resolve this today (Tuesday). The permits had already been issued, so it's a go now as far as the project is concerned," he added.
MMDA chief Bayani Fernando had complained that the project engineers refused to comply with the allowed project designs.
"The problem with the design had something to do with the headroom or the height of the structure, which should allow the clearance for the future work on the footbridges. They have complied in some areas so what was issued was a partial construction permit," he said.
Asked if this had not caused the delay of the project, Fernando said: "This is something that should be addressed by the engineers. They have to comply."
Dureza said the closing of the MRT-LRT-1 loop is a key project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The President last month said the government is wiling to shoulder the P6 billion budget needed for the elevated railway project that would close the MRT-LRT-1 loop.
The civil or construction works for the project was initially set for September 1 which would cover the putting up of viaducts, pedestrian overpasses, and foundation.
The DMCI-First Balfour won the biding for the project's Phase A and B, which cover the designing and civil works aspect and the designs and train station construction. Phase C which covers the "electro-mechanical aspects" of the project is still being bidden.
The MRT-LRT-1 extension would cover at least five stations and span of 5.71 kilometers. It is expected to be completed and operational by May 2010.
Three new stations in Balintawak, Roosevelt/Muñoz and North would be built, while the North Avenue station of the MRT and the Monumento Grand Central station of the LRT-1 would be improved. (JMR/Sunnex)
