MMDA to DPWH: Why the delay in road projects?

Could this set off another round of the blame game between these two government agencies? The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to explain the delays in the “long overdue” road projects that has contributed to the snail-paced traffic in the metropolis.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino sent Reynaldo Tagudando, DPWH-National Capital Region director, a letter asking about the status of at least 24 unfinished road projects in various parts of Metro Manila.

Tolentino said some of the projects should have been completed during the second quarter and third quarter of the year.

“Most of the 24 pending road projects should have been finished on July 29, September 3 and October 11, 2014,” Tolentino said in the agency’s radio program over DzBB.

Tolentino said these road projects aggravate traffic congestion in the metropolis.

“We cannot figure out why these projects are not yet completed and have even reached this Christmas period,” he said.

Tolentino cited a road project in Tandang Sora, which should have been completed within 21 calendar days, but is still on going.

To recall, both agencies have previously blamed each other over unfinished roadworks and drainage projects that contributed to flooding in several streets in the metropolis sometime last year.

The MMDA chief noted that the delays have made thoroughfares unavailable to be Christmas and Mabuhay lanes.

The Christmas lanes serve as alternative routes to help motorists avoid the Christmas traffic. These lanes also lead to and from shopping centers in Makati, Pasay, Quezon City, San Juan, Manila and Marikina, where traffic is usually heavy during the holidays.