Coming soon: Safer, better footbridges

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino INQUIRER file photo

Soon, footbridges will be offering washroom facilities, 24-hour security on top of protection from the elements.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it would launch on Friday its “Adopt-A-Footbridge” program, the agency’s latest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with the private sector on the rehabilitation and beautification of existing footbridges in Metro Manila.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the program would be greatly beneficial to pedestrians and more importantly, it would be implemented at zero cost to the government.

He will lead the program launching tomorrow at C-5 Libis, Eastwood, Quezon City, together with Mayor Herbert Bautista and representatives of AMSI Builders and Illuminate Dynamic Media, Inc. (IDMI).

Under the program, AMSI Builders and IDMI will finance the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of footbridges in Metro Manila.

They will construct covered walkways to protect pedestrians from extreme heat and rain and decorate it with ornamental plants which will also help fight  air pollution.

Proper lighting and closed circuit television cameras will likewise be installed while a 24-hour roving security guard will be assigned to guard each footbridge.