Bill wants utility firms to fix dug up roads within a day

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MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has filed a bill requiring public utility companies to “reconstruct and restore” streets to their original state within 24 hours upon the completion of service maintenance jobs or upgrades to ensure everyone’s safety.

“The inevitable digging of roads and pavements should only be a temporary inconvenience to passing motorists and pedestrians,” Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. said in his House Bill No. 10538 or the proposed Road Restoration Act of 2024.

According to Pleyto, while there are manholes through which underground public utilities such as water supply and sewerage systems can be accessed, this is not always the case so street diggings are unavoidable.

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However, streets that are not restored to their original condition “pose a great danger and can affect everyone, [including] pedestrians, bikers, motorcyclists, and motorists in general,” he said.

Under HB 10538, which cites the State’s responsibility to “implement measures to minimize road accidents caused by damaged roads,” public utility companies will be required to reconstruct and restore roads, pavements, or pathways they dug up within 24 hours from the completion of their work.

Covered by the proposed law are all water and sewerage firms engaged in the construction and maintenance of water supply and sewer pipes nationwide.

The bill also tasks the public works secretary to coordinate with the interior secretary in crafting the implementing guidelines, although it does not list the penalties for violators.