MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) admitted that the controversial wheelchair ramp at the EDSA-Philam station was “imperfectly designed” for wheelchair users.
In a statement on Thursday, the MMDA said it is not possible to make the ramp the same height as the footbridge due to a height restriction imposed by the Metro Rail Transit.
“Hindi ito perpektong disenyo lalo na sa mga naka-wheelchair pero malaking tulong pa rin ito para sa mga senior citizens, buntis at ibang PWDs sa halip na umakyat gamit ang hagdan,” the MMDA said.
Photos of the wheelchair ramp went viral, with some calling it a “ramp of the death” as it is too steep and dangerous for wheelchair users.
Meanwhile, instead of modifying the ramp, the MMDA said they will just assign personnel to assist PWDs who have difficulty using the ramp.
“Inilagay ang rampa dahil sa limitadong espasyo at kung wala ito ay hindi maiilagay ang elevator sa istruktura para sa convenience ng mga commuters na sumasakay sa busway station,” the MMDA said.
Sen. Grace Poe, meanwhile, criticized the ramp’s design, saying the project became just a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“Sa halip na makatulong sa ating mga PWD na sumasakay sa bus, magiging buwis-buhay pa ang paggamit ng ramp na ito ng MMDA sa EDSA busway. Kulang na kulang na tayo sa PWD-friendly facilities pero hindi ito dahilan para hindi pag-isipang mabuti ang mga ginagawang proyekto,” Poe said.
She added: “It’s exasperating to see millions in taxpayers’ money spent on projects like this that endangers safety and life. Government agencies must do things right in using public funds, otherwise, we are only wasting money and not serving the sectors who need help.”/PN
