IN line with the agency’s drive against urban decay Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos inspected the ground level of several flyovers along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Tuesday.

During his personal inspection along EDSA-Kamuning, Timog and Quezon Avenue, Abalos ordered the removal and clearing of all types of clutters and obstructions, including illegally-parked and abandoned vehicles, mostly involved in accidents to ensure orderliness and cleanliness in the metropolis.

“Hindi puwedeng gamiting impounding ito. This is a national highway… kalye ito. Maski sino, bawal gumamit nito. We will coordinate with the proper authorities on this matter,” Abalos pointed out as he instructed his men to put a no parking and tow away signages on the said areas.

He also appealed to the vehicle owners to refrain from parking on the ground level of flyovers, saying these should be open spaces.

“I will make sure that violators will be sanctioned and issued violation tickets for illegal parking,” Abalos said.

Meanwhile, Abalos have instructed the heads of Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG) and Road Emergency Group (REG) to remove unnecessary MMDA equipment on the said areas.

“The equipment that the MMDA is utilizing for emergency purposes will be retained, but not these much. Further, we will identify strategic locations to relocate the remaining equipment. MMDA should set an example here,” Abalos reiterated.

Discarded damaged orange barriers will be disposed as garbage, while broken concrete barriers will be smashed and will be used as filling materials at the MMDA Tumana Impounding Area in Marikina.

The MMDA chief clarified that this directive is applicable on all areas within the jurisdiction of MMDA and not on EDSA alone.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Edd Reyes