PNR modernization begins
By On-line staff
Posted : 4/3/2003
The much needed facelift for the Philippine National Railway (PNR) has begun as the demolition team that was tasked to pave the way for the widening construction initiated their work early this week.
The PNR modernization project of the Arroyo Administration entails the laying down of three additional tracks parallel to the existing aged track. This would also require a widening of about 3.5 to 15 meters sideward.
Meantime, as the PNR demolition team carries on with their work, the settlers along the rails have expressed their opposition to the move and were reported to have even resorted to violent measures. In the process, a sizeable number of resistant illegal residents along the rails sustained injuries as they clashed with the authorities. A handful was also detained.
The dwellers along the rails of the PNR were supposed to be relocated in a resettlement are in Bulacan and Caloocan. A ten-day break was given to residents to resettle to these sites. After the ten-day break, the demolition team would demolish all houses. As of the moment, they are going to knock down 25 houses a day.
According to recent statistics, some 600 families reside illegally along the tracks of the PNR in the CaMaNaVa (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) area alone. The government has allotted about a hundred million pesos for the relocation of these families.
PAGE LOADING : Please Wait...
The much needed facelift for the Philippine National Railway (PNR) has begun as the demolition team that was tasked to pave the way for the widening construction initiated their work early this week.
