Soil testing begins for subway project
Publicly listed Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc.—formerly known as IRC Properties Inc.— has begun the first physical phase of its proposed Makati City subway by undertaking soil testing ahead of the $3.7-billion project’s actual construction.
The six-month geo-testing involves boring small holes and getting soil and rock samples for analysis from at least 200 points along the proposed subway alignment. The process will take up to six months and is part of preliminary works prior to official groundbreaking.
The ceremonial drilling in front of the old Makati City Hall was witnessed by top IRC executives, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, former Vice President Jejomar Binay and other city officials.
Earlier, Mayor Binay and IRC chair Ren Jinhua also led the unveiling of a scale model of Makati City highlighting the proposed subway route. The detailed scale model is open for public viewing at the city hall lobby.
“I’m fully committed to its timely completion and operation. It will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents and workers, and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainable development and economic growth,” Mayor Binay said.
In October, Makati’s public-private partnership selection committee gave IRC the green light to proceed with the subway project after the firm hurdled a 30-day competitive Swiss challenge process.
The project will involve no cash outlay from Makati City which will, instead, allow the land it currently owns to be used for the subway system as part of the joint venture deal.
IRC’s plan calls for the subway to connect key points in Makati such as the Central Business District along Ayala Ave., the Makati City Hall, Poblacion Heritage Site, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati and the new business districts in the city.
The dual track subway system will have up to 10 air-conditioned, underground stations that can accommodate up to six car trains, with a room for over 200 passengers a car. Over 700,000 passengers a day will be served.
During the construction phase, the project is seen creating more than 6,000 jobs, IRC said.
The intracity subway would be connected to the MRT stations, the proposed Metro Manila Mega Subway and the Pasig River ferry.—DAXIM L. LUCAS
