‘Privatized’ footbridges? Sounds good to MMDA chair

BRIDGES OPEN FOR BUSINESS? The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has received proposals to let private companies handle the maintenance and security of footbridges on major thoroughfares. INQUIRER PHOTO

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is studying proposals to let private companies  handle the maintenance and security of some 70 footbridges in metropolis.

“There are at least two proposals to privatize the footbridges,” MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino told reporters on Friday.

Tolentino said the interested companies, which he did not identify, “told us they would provide security guards and install CCTV cameras on footbridges.”

They also offered to install lights, build comfort rooms below the structures, and put up “gates” to control the flow of pedestrians, he added.

The proposals were still under study and, if found feasible, they could be tested on at least eight footbridges along Edsa in November, the MMDA chief said.

However, Tolentino already sounded impressed with the idea: “It’s a big help. Are we still going to say no?”

Citing the possible benefits, he said: “There will be no more vendors and the added security would deter snatchers.”

“The government doesn’t need to spend for this,” he said. When asked what a company maintaining a footbridge would get in return, Tolentino said it may be allowed put advertisements in between the steps, although still subject to regulation.

Meanwhile, Tolentino said the MMDA would install 100 additional closed-circuit television cameras across Metro Manila in December.

The new cameras will be placed mainly at seaports, public markets and roads leading to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“This will be an improvement from what we have right now. The new CCTVs can even recognize faces,” he added.