DPWH asked: Finish projects faster

CEBU, Philippines — The city government of Mandaue is asking the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 and the contractors to expedite road rehabilitation projects by working even during weekends and holidays.

The city also suggested to contractors to coordinate with the office of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) during implementation of road repairs in the city.

Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, chairman of the committee on transportation, said the City of Mandaue had managed to show countless measures in its concern to decongest heavy traffic as manifested by its “carefully designed” routing scheme which is seen to give ample benefits to the general public.

 Lumapas said in their efforts to determine the major causes of traffic in the main roads, it is noticed that vehicular mishaps and road rehabilitations in broad daylight have triggered heavy traffic.

As road accidents are inevitable, Lumapas said road rehabilitation procedures on highly dilapidated roads which are mostly performed by DPWH shall be coordinated with their traffic enforcement office in order to avoid inconvenience.

 “Although it is highly convenient for motorists and pedestrians for DPWH to do it during night time, but in cases where it is duly inadmissible and earth works or patching on the roads should be extremely necessary during the day, the DPWH shall coordinate closely with the TEAM office so as to lessen the degree of traffic in the City street,” he said.

Lumapas noted that some rehabilitation projects, especially in roads where heavy congestion are existent, were not facilitated on weekends and holidays by its contractors thus extending the calendar days of working period.

“Considering the noble cause of the DPWH in their pursuit to provide the public with a suitable traveled surface, it should, however, be understood that the convenience of the commuting public shall not be sacrificed nor underestimated and shall be, at all times, observed,” Lumapas further said.

Last Monday, the City Council passed a resolution sponsored by Lumapas to this effect and shall be furnished to the offices of Mayor Jonas Cortes, DPWH-7 Director Engr. Edgar Tabacon; and to the executive director of TEAM, Archt. Florentino Nimor Jr., for an integrated and comprehensive review and appropriate action. (FREEMAN)