PPA addresses traffic congestion complaints

Concerned with the heavy traffic at the port area, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has forged an agreement with street vendors for the proper maintenance of their stalls.

PPA General Manager Oscar Sevilla said the agency, which has operational control and supervision over port facilities, has been deluged with complaints from shipping companies, forwarders and lease holders at the Manila South Harbor over the area’s traffic congestion reportedly caused by vendors along Roberto S. Oca street (formerly 13th street).

In a series of meetings, Melissa Cayco, executive director of Manila’s NGO program, discussed the limit of assistance the local government extends to vendors.

It will be recalled that the vendors evicted from the demolished Marvex building along Roberto S. Oca street were allowed to ply their trade in designated flea market in South Harbor in time for the Yuletide season. However, some vendors exceeded the PPA-designated parameter of their stalls causing traffic congestion.

Cayco reminded the vendors that violation or abuse of tolerance provided by the authorities shall lead to confiscation of their movable street stalls. She added that Manila City Hall shall also eject from the streets vendors who have no business licenses.

As per agreed upon with Imam Gamal, president of the vendors association, the vendors shall limit their stall area as provided by City Hall, and no canvass awnings or umbrellas shall be used as extensions.

The agreed selling areas shall also be marked with reflectorized yellow paint. The PPA shall also provide at least 10 parking slots for vendors and their customers.

Violation of the agreement shall cause the cancellation of the permit to operate, according to Cayco.

Sevilla has directed port district manager Pol Bungubung and port manager Jalilul Salialam to strictly implement the agreement forged with the vendors. – Nestor Etolle