P14-million footbridge’s elevators in Imus not working

A P14-million footbridge project built in 2014 is the subject of complaints from residents in Imus, Cavite.

According to Emil Sumangil’s “Kapuso Action Man” report on “24 Oras,” the multi-million peso elevated walkway was supposed to have working elevators at both ends to help pedestrians go up and down.

“Sayang ‘yung P14 million eh hindi naman nagagamit ng taumbayan,” said a resident.

(The P14 million went to waste because the people have nothing to use.)

Visible issues on the elevators include damaged doors, and missing screws. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cavite First District Engineering Office attributed the stalled project to issues in the turnover process in 2015. 

The former head of the office, who was in charge of the project, has also passed away. 

“Nagkaroon ng konting lapses sa part namin,” DPWH 1st DEO officer-in-charge Nolasco Madalangbayan said. 

(There were lapses on our part.)

“Humihingi kami ng pasensya. Hindi napagtuunan kaya medyo napabayaan,” Madalangbayan said. 

(We apologize for this. It was left unattended and neglected.)

Officials of Imus City Engineering Office said it was not responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the two elevators. 

The DPWH district engineering office said it had no funds for the repair. 

“Gawan po natin ng paraan na totally ma-close po yung door, ‘yung ibang side doon na medyo open para po makita ng ating mamamayan na closed na siya. Maiwasan ang sakuna,” said Madalangbayan. 

(We will do everything to fix the door and prevent untoward incidents.)

The elevator shafts have been covered. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News