Posted on Thursday, 4 February 2016
The
Monstrous Problem of Manila’s Metro Rail Transit (MRT)
By Apolinario Villalobos
The seemingly regular occurrence of crack,
though, hairline in some portions of the MRT should have given a clear signal
to the management that there is something wrong with the quality of the steel
rails. Several years ago, China was prominently put in the limelight when
inferior steel bars from the mainland that were supposed to be delivered to the
provinces were intercepted. The locals dubbed them as fake steel which was not
true, although, just of low-grade quality – inferior. Accordingly, they were
sent back, but many are alleging that some are still stashed away in warehouses
and being sold liberally. Steel is graded according to its quality that would
suit its purpose, as well as, ability to withstand stress, and the grade must
be compatible with the kind of welding rod to be used.
There is a question now, as to whether
quality control has been observed in checking the delivered steel bars of MRT or not, knowing
how the tolerant culture of Filipinos is oftentimes observed in many projects,
that has got to do with the “ pwede na” or “sige na lang” attitude. In fact, when the new trains have been
delivered, another problem came out, that of compatibility with the towing
capability of the engine. The questionable quality of the steel rails has
compounded the poorly-maintained elevators, escalators, and toilet facilities…making
the MRT one of the monster problems of the Aquino administrations due to
lackadaisical attitude of his supposedly trusted people.
Many are wondering why the Light Rail
Transit which was built during the Marcos administration seldom encounters
frequent problem on the cracked rails. Has it got to do with corruption? There
is a general impression today, that corruption during the time of Marcos was
stringently “controlled”, unlike the presence of such repugnant practice in
practically, all levels of transaction today.
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