Edsa rehabilitation cost estimated at P15 billion – Dizon
(INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — The suspended EDSA rehabilitation project is expected to cost up to P15 billion, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Speaking at the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) confirmation hearing on his appointment as the country’s transportation chief, Dizon said this would be the case if the rehabilitation would be conducted until 2027.
“Nagsabi po ang [Department of Public Works and Highways] ng amount hanggang 2026 — end of 2026 ito po ay P8.7 billion. Pero yun pong mga matitira pa na aabot ng 2027 ang estimate ng DPWH ang total po ay aabot ng P15 billion,” said Dizon.
“The DPHW already said that the project will cost P:8.7 billion if done by the end of 2026. But if it’s going to be conducted until 2027, the estimated amount of the DPWH is P15 billion,” Dizon said in Filipino.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Sunday announced the postponement of the rehabilitation of EDSA for a month. This was confirmed by Dizon during the launch of the Pamilya Pasa promo.
“He said, ‘Go back to the drawing board,’ because he has listened to the concerns of the residents of Metro Manila,” Dizon told reporters then.
“And he has also listened to experts who have informed him that there are more effective ways and new technology that we can use to finish the project ahead of projected time,” said Dizon.
The government initially planned to start the rehabilitation by the end of March, but it was adjusted to April, May, then June.
Dizon emphasized that the postponement does not mean that the plan to rehabilitate Metro Manila’s busiest highway is now cancelled.
“The President only said, especially to the DPWH which is the lead agency for the conduct of this EDSA Rebuild, is to find a better way. When he said find a better way, he essentially meant a way that would be faster in order for the masses who use EDSA not to suffer.”
“Instead of two years, what he wants is just to do it in two months. What he instructed was to go back to him after one month, with a better way that could address the needs and concerns of the people.”
