CONSTRUCTION of the Light Rail Transit Line 2’s (LRT-2) West Extension project has been delayed further due to lack of funding, according to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).
According to Hernando T. Cabrera, LRTA administrator, there is no defiA nite construction date has been set for the project as a result, as the railway also lacks a multi-year obligation authority (MYOA), which is a requirement for budget projects that take several financial years to complete. The MYOA shows the government’s commitment to funding future needs beyond the current budget period.
“We don’t have (a specific construction date) because we don’t have the money. We also miss MYOA,” said Mr. Cabrera told the media last week.
The Ministry of Transport said last year that it hopes to start the construction of the West Extension project in 2025.
This program received P2 billion from the General Appropriations Act out of the estimated P11 billion for this program, said Mr. Cabrera.
The LRTA through the Department of Transportation has a pending MYOA application.
“It is a program that is funded in this country. So what we are doing now is that we have consultants who are now preparing conceptual designs,” he said.
The proposed LRT West Extension spans three kilometers from Recto Avenue Station to Pier 4. This line will have three stations: Tutuban, Divisoria and Pier 4.
The project also includes the purchase of additional light rail vehicles to meet the growing passenger demand.
Mr. Cabrera said that the P2 billion received so far for this project will support basic activities such as obtaining the right to travel.
“(The first works) will take time. We are currently finalizing agreements and services,” he said.
Currently, the LRTA is finalizing transportation agreements for the transportation of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and telecommunications companies that will be affected by the construction.
Meanwhile, Mr. Cabrera said that it is also possible to find private companies for this project if there is no money.
“What I can say is that this can be a (partnership between the public and the private sector. Not all but this can have several packages. The western extension can be financed internally as planned, then the operation and maintenance of the PPP,” he added. . Ashley Erika O. Jose
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