MMDA demolishes DPWH footbridge

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has finally demolished the dilapidated wooden bridge for pedestrians crossing the Tullahan Bridge which is under construction in Valenzuela City, despite the strong opposition of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a statement, MMDA Chairman Bayani Ferando expressed dismay over the progress of work on the bridge over Tullahan River that divides Valenzuela City and Malabon.

Fernando said the damaged wooden bridge should be destroyed to prevent any accident.

The DPWH is currently undertaking the reconstruction of a permanent structure that will replace the damaged Tullahan Bridge on MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City and Malabon.

Two temporary bridges made from coconut lumber were built for the use of pedestrians, but one of the structures gave way to the strong current prompting the DPWH to replace it with another makeshift steel bridge.

The strong current damaged the wooden bridge which was also tilted.

Fernando has repeatedly ordered the DPWH-National Capital Region (NCR) to demolish the damaged wooden bridge and construct another steel bridge similar to the metal bridge worth P2.4-million, that was constructed earlier at the upstream portion of the river.

Despite his orders, Fernando was irked after his instructions were not carried out prompting him to personally direct his men to demolish the damaged pedestrian bridge.

DPWH-NCR Assistant Director Angelito Twano acknowledged the authority of the MMDA over the DPWH in the metropolis but maintained that the department has no budget to build another steel bridge that will cost roughly P4-million.

Twano said the temporary bridge is sturdy enough to hold the thousands of pedestrians who use it daily.

“We are not allowing many pedestrians to cross the bridge together so the public has no reason to fear for possible accident. It would be better if we get budget for the construction of steel bridge,” Twano said.