MMDA: C5 sidewalks up for upgrade

MANILA, Philippines — Sidewalks along C5 Road in Pasig City will be upgraded with water-absorptive pavement to enhance pedestrian accessibility and promote sustainable urban development, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday.

The MMDA, along with the Pasig government, led the kick-off ceremony for the sidewalk improvement project along C5 Road.

Expected to be completed within six months, the MMDA plans to expand the project to other areas in Metro Manila.

With approximate length of three kilometers, the sidewalk improvement is the MMDA’s response to Pasig’s request for assistance in repairing the sidewalks from Ortigas Avenue to Bagong Ilog.

Existing concrete sidewalks in Pasig will be replaced by a permeable pavement system with landscaping, and when possible, stormwater detention tanks.

The permeable pavers are made of crushed recycled glass and hard plastics, in support of the MMDA program on waste diversion.

Collected from the rivers, the permeable pavers are environment-friendly, enhance drainage, and built to withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions.

The bricks came from the MMDA’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Processing Facility at the Vitas pumping station in Tondo.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said C5 Road is the pilot area for the project, which aims to improve walkability and address flooding in the metropolis.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto expressed his support, describing the project as “an innovative solution” in attaining the goal of a walkable Metro Manila.