MMDA suspends road diggings

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday imposed a moratorium on road diggings and excavations across Metro Manila from Dec. 14 to Jan. 3, 2016.

MMDA Traffic Engineering Center director Noemi Recio said a total of 146 road projects are handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) across Metro Manila.

“If we can stop these projects, we are hopeful that traffic in the Metro Manila would not be that heavy and would somehow ease the burden of shoppers during the holiday rush,” Recio said.

Recio, however, pointed out that there would be exemptions to the moratorium: the national government’s flagship projects such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Skyway and road works that do not obstruct or block vehicular traffic.

The MMDA will fine a private contractor employed by a local government unit that would start a road project during the moratorium period.

“Aside from the stopping the excavation, the MMDA will also direct the violators to patch up the diggings so that motorists could use (the road),” Recio said.

Since 2008, the MMDA has ordered the stopping of roadworks during the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, mayors of Metro Manila composing the Metro Manila Council (MMC) also yesterday approved an MMDA resolution calling for the all footbridges in Metro Manila, including those constructed by local government units, to be painted beige.

There are more than 100 footbridges across Metro Manila which are painted according to the color selected by the local government unit which had ordered its construction, according to the MMDA.