Monday, May 26, 2008 [ philstar.com ]
Roads leading to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) complex will soon undergo a major facelift in an effort to boost Metro Manila’s image as a haven for tourism, trade and investment.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Ayala Properties will jointly undertake the physical improvement of the roads.
“This initiative is in support of the government’s thrust to give the premier gateway to our country a world-class character,” MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said.
Under the development plan, hundreds of squatter families occupying six roads within the vicinity of the NAIA complex will be relocated to vacant lots in the area, where they can avail of the government’s socialized housing program.
The project will cover the MIA, NAIA, Domestic and Airport Roads as well as Tramo and Andrews Avenue.
The plan also includes the construction of a bridge to connect the NAIA complex to Quirino Avenue; the repair and widening of uneven and narrow sidewalks; the burying of utility wires; and the installation of high-mast lampposts along sidewalks.
The MMDA has also forged a tie-up with the MIAA and the Pasay City government to ease traffic going to and from the NAIA complex through a new traffic scheme that includes a 24-hour ban on cargo trucks, buses and tricycles on Domestic Road and Andrews Avenue. The scheme will be enforced soon.
The proposed NAIA development plan is an offshoot of an earlier directive by President Arroyo to the MMDA, MIAA and related agencies to undertake physical improvements at the NAIA complex and address the other concerns of all stakeholders in the airport. – Michael Punongbayan
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