Moratorium on roadworks starts Nov. 5 until Jan. 14 next year – MMDA

Road repair project of the Department of Public Works and HIghways. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will temporarily prohibit roadworks to lessen the impact of ongoing infrastructure projects on the heavy traffic situation until the holidays are over.

In a consultative meeting on Monday with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), mall operators and utility companies, the MMDA have laid down measures to reduce anticipated traffic congestion, particularly along Edsa, during the holidays.

One of which is the moratorium on roadworks starting November 5, 2018 up to January 14, 2019.

The MMDA said that the temporary prohibition will cover any diggings in the road right-of-way, including passageways and sidewalks, within the cities or municipalities of Metro Manila for the installation, repair, or improvement of water pipes, telephone or telegraph wires or cable conduits, sewers and drainage systems, communication and power line improvements being undertaken by any government agency, public and private contractors.

However, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said that “big ticket” projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program will not be halted during the moratorium.

“Yes, big ticket project ‘no, hindi kami nandito para…sabi ko nga, i-delay natin ng i-delay ‘yan lalong tatagal ‘yan, ‘di natin magagamit,” Garcia told reporters when asked if constructions under the program will continue amid the temporary prohibition of roadworks.

Some of the traffic-alleviation measures also include the adjustment of mall operating hours to 11 a.m., an hour later from the usual 10 a.m. opening time from November 5, 2018 up to January 14, 2019.

Garcia noted that shopping malls are considered traffic generators during the holidays and delaying their operating hours by an hour could help ease the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

READ: Malls to implement new operating hours starting November