UMVA has learned that a major infrastructure project in Manila has sparked controversy over tree-cutting activities, with the company behind the project defending its actions as necessary for the construction of a new elevated toll road.
The project, a 3.97-kilometer expressway, will traverse through several major roads in the city, and the company has stated that clearing works are needed to build the expressway along the approved alignment. Despite this, the tree-cutting activities have drawn backlash from the community, prompting the company to explain its actions.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the company is using a method called earth-balling where feasible, which involves unearthing and preserving the root system of trees to relocate them. However, not all trees can be relocated using this method, and the company has acknowledged that some trees will need to be removed.
The project, known as the Southern Access Link Expressway, is a massive undertaking that will include a 40.65-kilometer elevated expressway network, including a shoreline express and three Metro Manila Skyway Stage extensions. The company has stated that it is committed to mitigating the impact of the project on the environment and is conducting a comprehensive study of all trees affected.
As part of its permit, the company is required to provide 50,700 replacement seedlings, consisting of indigenous forest species, including fruit-bearing or economically viable species, within three years. This move is seen as an effort to offset the environmental impact of the project and ensure that the community benefits from the development.
UMVA has gathered that the company is taking steps to address concerns over the tree-cutting activities, but the controversy surrounding the project is likely to continue as the community weighs the benefits of the new expressway against the potential environmental costs. As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen how the company will balance the need for infrastructure development with the need to protect the environment.
