MMDA to suspend road diggings starting Dec 15 to Jan 2

From December 15 this year to January 2 next year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will suspend all road diggings and excavations because of heavier traffic during the Christmas holidays. In a circular addressed to all its concerned offices, the MMDA "suspended any digging on the road right-of-way, including passageways and sidewalks within the city or municipality of Metro Manila." However, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the moratorium does not apply to government flagship projects. "We deemed it necessary to impose the moratorium in response to the plaints of the public, that government should ease traffic congestion caused by road diggings, especially during Christmas time," Tolentino said.

According to the MMDA, road diggings and excavations were being conducted for the installation, repair or improvement of:

water pipes;

telephone or telegraph wires or cable conduits;

sewers and drainage systems, and

communication and power line improvements. Tolentino advised all public and government agencies to ensure that roadways that have been dug up should be properly restored, passable, clean and serviceable to all vehicles and pedestrians. Tolentino said violators will face fines between P3,000 and P10,000; imprisonment between 30 days and six months; or both. – VVP, GMANews.TV