The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to lift on Jan. 16 the moratorium on road works and diggings imposed during the holiday season.
The moratorium covered any digging 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.
The directive, issued on November 1, was to lessen the impact of ongoing construction works to Metro Manila’s heavy traffic situation brought by the increase of vehicular volume during the holiday period.
During the moratorium period, the MMDA stopped processing permits for new excavation works until holidays are over.
Government flagship projects were exempted from the suspension. Road repairs and diggings, especially on critical areas like Edsa, C5, those identified Mabuhay lanes, were also halted. (Anna Liza Villas-Alavaren)