MMDA: DPWH road works way past overdue

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has to explain why the completion of roadworks across Metro Manila are being delayed, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority MMDA) said Monday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said many of these DPWH road projects are way past overdue.

Tolentino said the DPWH at present has 24 still ongoing road projects in various parts of Metro Manila.

"Most of the 24 pending road projects should have been finished July 29, September 3 and October 11, 2014," Tolentino said.

Tolentino added that the ongoing road works is adding to the already slow traffic flow in the Metro.

As an example, Tolentino cited the road project in Tandang Sora, Quezon City which should have been completed within 21 calendar days, but at present, remains unfinished.

"We need to know the reasons for such delays. I'm sure there is a valid reason for that," he said.

According to Tolentino, the unfinished road works has prevented the MMDA from opening-up many of the "Christmas lanes" or alternate routes for motorists who are trying to beat traffic jams in the major Metro streets during the holiday rush.

"The delays are causing us problems in case we will revive the Christmas lanes because some of the roads are still under repair," he added.

The MMDA last year opened 17 routes as Christmas lanes.

The MMDA earlier advised holiday shoppers to do their shopping early to avoid getting stucked in heavy traffic as the holiday rush sets in.