THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority was taken to task yesterday over a ramp for persons with disability at the recently constructed PhilAm station of the EDSA Busway that was heavily criticized on social media as being too steep and unsafe.
MMDA chief Romando Artes apologized but also defended the agency from criticisms.
“We apologize to the public but if the impression is we put this up without thinking, it is wrong. We have consulted with our architects and engineers from the Traffic Engineering Center).
This is the best that we can do given the circumstances and situation in the area. The choice is to put up such structure or do away with it,” he said.
Artes said they are open to suggestions to improve the structure, adding the MMDA is also set to meet with officials of an architectural firm to see what could be done.
Artes said the agency had to contend with the height restrictions imposed by the management of the Metro Rail Transit.
“This is not a perfect design, especially for wheelchair users, but it still greatly benefits senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs by providing them an alternative to climbing stairs,” he said.
The ramp has an actual incline of 14.8 degrees.
Artes said the MMDA will deploy personnel to assist PWDs who may find it difficult to use the ramp.
Sen. Grace Poe asked the MMDA to “immediately fix” the defective ramp.
“Instead of helping PWDs, using the ramp endangers life and safety. While it’s true that we lack PWD-friendly facilities, this should not be the reason not to think of a better design for them,” Poe said.
“The ramp must be immediately fixed before an accident occurs. Government agencies must do things right in using public funds, otherwise, we are only wasting money and not serving the sectors that need help,” she added. — With Raymond Africa
