MMDA gets rid of humps

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has started removing illegally constructed street humps all over the metropolis.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said there are several humps that were installed without the necessary permits from the local government units. These humps slow down the movement of vehicles even in areas where these are unnecessary. Specifically, he said the humps hamper the movement of ambulances and fire trucks when they are responding to emergencies.

The humps also cause damage to vehicles, particularly when the drivers fail to notice the obstacles.

Several humps are constructed on the own initiatives of the residents and usually do not follow the approved specifications.

Motorists have often complained that several humps are either too elevated, bear no markings or, are placed too close to one another.

"There are too many illegal humps. All humps that are illegal will be removed," Fernando said.

He said that when he was still mayor in Marikina City, he ordered the removal of all humps. In place of the humps, signs directing the motorists to slow down were posted in areas such as schools and hospitals.

Since assuming the chairmanship of the MMDA in June, Fernando has undertaken an intensive campaign to remove all roadside obstructions in order to improve traffic in Metro Manila.

The campaign initially started with the removal of the sidewalk vendors and was soon followed by the demolition of structures such as stalls, walls and even houses constructed illegally.