MMDA reminds contractors of moratorium on road works

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reminded contractors that the moratorium on all road diggings and excavations across the metro is now in effect until midnight of Jan. 3, 2016.

MMDA Traffic Engineering Center director Noemi Recio said a total of 146 ongoing road projects being handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) across Metro Manila through various contractors are now suspended starting midnight of Monday, December 14.

“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 national government flagship projects such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Skyway and road works that do not obstruct or block vehicular traffic are not covered by the moratorium.

According to Recio, any private contractor employed by a local government unit that would start a road project during the moratorium period would be imposed a fine by the MMDA. 

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

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