The construction of 95 B worth Pasig River Expressway Project (PAREX) is promising. With its main rationale of decongesting the most crowded road in Metro such as EDSA. This all-elevated expressway will transverse the entirety of the Pasig River that will run 19.37km six-lane.
Undeniably, this project aims nothing but convenience but at the back of it, we can't hide the fact that this project can cause a great disaster to the Pasig River. The iconic river can be a great loss as an environmental asset of the Pasig. The choice is up, Are we ready to see the Pasig River turn into a massive infrastructure of metal and concrete.
The objective of the construction of the PAREX clearly stated the promising vision of the expressway which includes the following. First, to establish a direct link between the western and eastern cities of Metro Manila by means of an elevated expressway. The convenience that the PAREX is great, and part of the construction is the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. But, how certain we are that the river will not be damaged or destroy upon construction.
The second objective of it is to aid traffic decongestion of R-10, EDSA, C-5 by providing connectivity among toll roads and freeways of Metro Manila, thereby diverting traffic volume to alternative routes. This can be an option to lessen the massive volume of transportation but in reality, this solution will not solve the main root of the problem of road congestion. The abundance of private vehicles is a long-time problem in the metro. Alternative routes will only encourage individuals to have a private vehicle. This solution is a band-aid one, that doesn't penetrate the main problem.
Lastly, to contribute to the efficiency of the country’s road transport system by providing safe and reliable infrastructure. PAREX is great but the risk of the environmental asset such as the Pasig River is very high to pursue.
Progress is also tailed by great loss or sacrifices but weighing its significance, the environment must come first. Fortress of concrete and establishment is a necessity especially in the capital city like Metro Manila but the environment as well. This project needs to be assessed accordingly. Construction is not equated to destruction. Nothing shall be at risk for something.
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