MMDA cancels EDSA construction permits

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando has ordered the cancellation of permits for road excavations along the stretch of EDSA to ease traffic in the metropolis.

Fernando said the Metro Manila Council composed of Metro Manila’s mayors approved a resolution banning new excavations along EDSA to ease the congestion caused by construction work.

"EDSA has reached its capacity limit and any obstruction can really cause so much traffic obstruction," Fernando said.

He added that the resolution was approved by the mayors and representatives of the 17 local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila.

Signatories to the resolution include Fernando’s wife, Marikina City Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando; Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar; Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio; Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and; Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Fernando said the new MMC resolution takes effect immediately on all installations of telecommunications companies Globe Telecoms, Smart Telecommunications and the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT) as well as the Manila Water Co. and Maynilad.

He said these utility firms must find alternative routes for their projects if they insist on getting MMDA approval for their infrastructure work.

Under the MMC resolution, projects that involve communication of power lines, they will be allowed to cross EDSA so long as they do not require the erection of new posts along the highway.

"We cannot afford to maintain (or) allow construction work of any kind along EDSA, since this will easily cause the disruption of traffic flow in the area," Fernando said.

He added that the MMDA has completed its concrete re-blocking project along the 22-kilometer highway, which is part of the agency’s major rehabilitation of the damaged portions of EDSA, as well as lane markings and the construction of sidewalks.

He said they are expecting to see the traffic flow improve once construction workers finish the lane markings on the rehabilitated segment of EDSA. – Jose Rodel Clapano