Atienza tells diggers to prevent traffic jams

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has asked agencies that dig up streets to prevent traffic congestion this Christmas season.

Atienza said the traffic problem worsens during Yuletide seasons, so all agencies concerned must formulate plans to prevent this year.

"There are many things that they can do. They can put steel plates over the diggings or dig at night," Atienza added.

The mayor also wants the city government to do the road repairs and rehabilitation to ensure that they are properly planned.

"It would be better if these functions are localized. At present, DPWH handles road repairs while the local governments and the police make plans for traffic rerouting," he said.

"If LGUs carry out road works even on national roads, we can do it systematically by mapping out plans to divert traffic on the streets to be affected by the diggings," Atienza said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe