Alarming Revelations on Social Media: Metro Express Faces Criticism

The Metro Express Ltd, once heralded by the previous government as a symbol of modern transport innovation, now finds itself at the center of serious allegations dubbed “Metro Leaks.” These claims, presented in a three-part video series, expose significant shortcomings in the management of the Metro Express project, highlighting not just technical issues but also concerns that could heighten flood risks in the surrounding areas.

The first episode of “Metro Leaks” uncovered major flaws in the construction of drainage systems integral to the Metro Express project.

An incriminating video suggests that contractors may have “deliberately ignored” contemporary drainage standards designed to adapt to climate change.

Instead, they reportedly employed outdated techniques from the early 2000s, which were specifically excluded from the original contract.

The narrator of the video expresses alarming concerns, stating, “It was initially planned for the drainage construction to utilize modern techniques, capable of handling the increased intensity of rainfall caused by climate change.

Yet, these builders chose an obsolete method which was never mentioned in the initial Metro Express contract.

Why was this outdated construction method selected? Why were small-capacity drains built at the same cost initially planned?”

The second part of the scandal brought to light several pressing issues related to rainwater management in the Phoenix region and its surroundings.

The revelations indicated that the construction activities linked to the Metro Express may have exacerbated flooding risks by redirecting rainwater flow toward already vulnerable areas.

The video claimed that rainwater from locations such as the Jumbo shopping center in Phoenix, Hillcrest Avenue in Sodnac, St-Jean Road, and Quatre-Bornes has been diverted to Cemetery Road, near St-Jean Cemetery.

This rerouting, attributed to the modification of construction procedures for the Metro Express, reportedly worsens the hydrological conditions in these areas.

The construction company Larsen & Toubro is directly implicated in these issues.

The audio track stated, “The workers were responsible for upgrading the old drainage system of Cemetery Road before commencing construction.”

This critical step appeared to have been overlooked, leaving existing infrastructure incapable of managing the increased volumes of rainwater.

The third episode of “Metro Leaks” highlighted critical errors in drain design, characterized by both mathematical inaccuracies and the use of outdated methods.

Allegations suggested that a crucial equation for determining the necessary flow capacity of new drainage systems was improperly applied, undermining their effectiveness in handling extreme rainfall.

Central to this criticism is a key value used for calculating the required flow rate.

Engineers reportedly opted for a coefficient of 0.81, rather than the more suitable 0.90, which is designed for exceptional rainfall expected over a 100-year period.

This miscalculation resulted in an 11% underestimation of the actual flow capacity needed for the drains.

Additionally, the previously mentioned outdated construction method further complicated the situation.

According to the video, this older technique has led to significant discrepancies in the drainage sizing values, varying from 44% to 63%.

These alarming figures casting doubt on the reliability of the constructed infrastructure.

Attempts to reach Das Mootanah, the former director of Metro Express Ltd., for comment have been unsuccessful, as he has declined to respond.

Meanwhile, Metro Express Ltd. has acknowledged awareness of the videos in question and stated that it will review the content before issuing a formal response.

Source: Defi Media