THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution requesting the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to strictly implement the provision of National Building Code on pedestrian protection during ongoing building constructions.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Bartolome Orola, was approved during the regular session Wednesday.

Orola said the National Building Code of the Philippines, declares that it is the policy of the State to safeguard life, health and public welfare, consistent with the principles of environmental management and control.

He said there have been reports of ongoing constructions that are not observing the proper safety precautions for example installation of safety nets/or protective netting/covering to prevent falling debris from hitting passersby in the area.

Orola noted that Section 1106 of National Building Code on Pedestrian Protection stated that pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a railing on the street side when the walkway extends into the roadway, by a railing when adjacent to excavations.

It also stated that all protective devices shall be properly maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire length of time pedestrian may be endangered.

Orola said the warning signs shall be conspicuously posted around the property and it shall be adequately illuminated at night for the protection of unwary pedestrians.

He said the government has the duty to protect the safety and welfare of all its constituents and should be vigilant in implementing these provisions of the law. (MAP/SunStar Bacolod)