The government is sprucing up two of Metro Manila’s key mass transit infrastructure systems.
The rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, frequently dubbed as the world’s worst airport, is 80% complete, according to terminal manager, Dante Basanta.
The P1.3-billion project started in January last year, the first time in 30 years the facility has undergone considerable renovation and rehabilitation. Selected facilities were renovated, including restrooms, and new ones added such as air conditioners.
Repairs in the arrival and departure areas are expected to be completed by March 31, with the whole project to be finished by May.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the rehabilitation of toilets in Metro Rail Transit’s 13 stations is now underway.
The project is scheduled for completion in September this year. It covers all 63 comfort rooms of the MRT 3, and includes tile replacement, installation of new fixtures, ceiling improvements, repainting, electrical and mechanical upgrades, and plumbing and declogging works.
The rehabilitation will be done in phases, starting with comfort rooms for male passengers and persons with disability, which is expected to take around four months to complete. Renovation of comfort rooms for female passengers will follow, seen to take another three months. Civil works are now underway at the North Avenue Station, while renovation at other stations will begin in the following weeks.
The replacement of about 150 meters of worn-out rails was also carried out recently to enhance the train system’s operational safety. Schedule disruptions will follow in the coming weekends to give way to more rail replacement works.
