‘Give sidewalks to pedestrians’
We need to do simple things like bringing the sidewalk to the pedestrian. We should not talk about big projects. We can do that after the pandemic
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benhur Abalos has called on mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) to return sidewalks to the
pedestrians as part of the clearing operations implemented in the metropolis.
In an interview with Daily Tribune’s “Straight Talk,” Abalos said that the road clearing program should continue despite the deadline set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ended on 15 February.
“We need to do simple things like bringing the sidewalk to the pedestrian. We should not talk about big projects. We can do that after the pandemic. I would suggest to the mayors to check the sidewalks. Let’s make sure people can conveniently use the sidewalks and it’s possible, we can provide roofs for the people,” Abalos said.
He had met with officials of the DILG, led by Undersecretary Martin Diño, and discussed continuing the clearing of the walkways of obstacles.
I would suggest to the mayors to check the sidewalks. Let’s make sure people can conveniently use the sidewalks and it’s possible.
“I asked our Clearing Division chief, Mr. Francis Martinez to inspect and instead of using clearing tools, bring microphone and sound system, and tell vendors to wind up and self-demolish so that we can prevent using force in our clearing operations,” Abalos added.
He said that once an area is cleared of obstruction, barangay officials will be mandated to ensure that the vendors and other obstructions in the streets will not return.
“If that happens, the barangay captain will be given a show cause order to explain why the obstructions are back again,” he said.
Abalos said that the Metro mayors will soon be busy in the vaccination program in their respective areas.
The DILG said validation of road clearing operations by local government units will run from 16 February to 2 March.
The original deadline for the second wave of road clearing operations was on 15 January but was extended to 15 February to give the LGU more time to prepare for the arrival and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.