CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City traffic enforcers will have their hands full this Christmas season until the Sinulog next year.
Cebu City Transportation Office Operations (CCTO) Chief Franciso Ouano said traffic enforcers will not have rest days and no leaves of absence would be approved until the Sinulog weekend is over.
“Tungod kay nag-expect gyud ta og holiday rush. Nag-order gyud ta nga walay day off, rest day ug mga leave atong mga enforcers, unless naa silay emergency,” he told The FREEMAN.
He said enforcers are working in three shifts, so that they would have time to rest, especially that they do not have days off.
Ouano is grateful that the city traffic enforcers understood the order.
“Naandan naman pod na namo nga walay rest day gyud. Serbisyo pod na namo gyud,” he added.
Ouano said the motorists will continue to expect heavy traffic in the downtown area and the streets surrounding the different malls in the city because of the holiday rush.
He added that there are also those who are going home to their provinces and that the traffic situation will be better by December 25 and 26.
“Karong Sabado ug Domingo gyud atong gibantayan nga traffic labina sa N. Bacalso Avenue nga naay nag-construct para sa underpass project,” he said.
The underpass project contractor, WT Construction, told him that it is helping the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) by excavating the water pipeline affected by the construction.
Ouano also said he is asking the public to look for alternative routes aside from the Natalio Bacalso Avenue because of the construction of the underpass.
“Ang contractor nananghid nga mo-excavate and tabang sa MCWD para sila sad mabalhin na ang pipelines. Maka-concentrate na sa walling in preparation sa excavation,” he said.
Ouano said the motorists will have to brace for heavy traffic along that avenue in the next two to three months.
Motorists are also advised that they can also use the South Road Properties as alternative route.
“Hinaot nga ang public mosabot sa ka traffic kay uwan-uwan pod ug labi na daghan pod og pakulo ang mga malls tungod sa ilang sale pod ba,” he said.
He also asked the public to cooperate by following traffic signs and traffic rules to avoid being issued citation tickets. (FREEMAN)