Signs, watchers along nat'l highway sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board has called the attention of the Department of Public Works and Highways to put measures to address risks and hazards in the ongoing reconstruction of the north national highway.

Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr. initiated the request to DPWH-7 through a resolution passed last week’s session purposely to eliminate risks and hazards for public transport and all other road users.

There is currently ongoing reconstruction, re-concreting or asphalt overlaying in many stretches of the national highway from the municipality of Sogod to the far north of the Cebu Province.

These are projects of the national government but undertaken by different contractors.

In some of these stretches motorists can only use one lane of the highway because of ongoing construction.

Mondigo said that this would also entail the placement of personnel from the contractors to man and direct inbound and outbound traffic.

“Markers, signages and enclosures would also be needed to forewarn or alert vehicles not to use lanes undergoing clearing or to be paved upon as this would damage vehicles or risk passenger safety if accidentally run over,” Mondigo said.

Mondigo observed that such measures are not strictly pursued as some construction companies do not employ watchers to guide traffic.

“Some even utilize teenage children or women as lookouts who conveniently abandon their post such as at the onset of high heat during noontime or when it’s dark while there are also no indicators or markers that some lanes aren’t passable as the road sections have been cleared or dug out,” he said.

Mondigo added that while inconvenience is understandable and acceptable, the risks and hazards in using these stretches of roads should be eliminated.

“It is hoped that the situation does not evince the lack of control and supervision of the DPWH who are supposed to oversee these projects,” Mondigo further said. —(FREEMAN)