Enforcers to replace traffic light

TRAFFIC enforcers will be posted on M. Velez St. to manage the worsening traffic in the area.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama issued the order after he spent the last two mornings there to observe the traffic situation.

While helping direct traffic, he said he realized that the traffic light on the crossing of M. Velez and Andres Abellana St. (right after the bridge) changes every 20 seconds. This resulted in vehicles moving at a snail’s pace.

As for the road widening being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 in the area, which was supposed to be completed last February yet, it’s not finished.

Residents’ ‘fault’

The agency, though, blamed residents for the delay. It said those who live along the road are supposed to demolish their homes voluntarily, but they haven’t.

DPWH 7 and the contractor do not want to demolish the structures themselves, especially when the owners are not around.

Rama told reporters he will direct Cebu City Traffic Operations Management Executive Director Rafael Yap to turn off the traffic light on M. Velez. Enforcers will direct traffic until the road widening is completed, he said.

If the DPWH 7 cannot finish the work, he said the City will finish it for the agency.

Rama said he will direct Apollo Dante of the Department of Engineering and Public Works not to wait for his instructions to asphalt or concrete areas that need to be worked on.

Warning

Rama also said they will put up signs in strategic areas that will say the road from the Capitol to M. Velez St. is only one lane.

However, after crossing the bridge and the traffic light, the road reverts to two lanes all the way to the junction leading to Banawa and Guadalupe.

Meanwhile, the mayor warned utility companies to remove the spaghetti wires on Escario St.

Last year, Rama and the City Council asked them to comply with the city ordinance that mandates all cables must be placed underground, but only some have done so.

Rama has scheduled a meeting with the utility companies.

He wants the spaghetti wires on Escario St. gone by today.