TO AVOID traffic build-up in the south, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has asked a Japanese cement company in San Fernando town to come up with a traffic management plan.
Garcia met with Mayor Lakambini Reluya, representatives of the Environmental Management Bureau 7 and officials of Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, to discuss the matter following reports of bottleneck traffic in front of the cement plant.
During the meeting, the Provincial Engineering Office showed a video footage taken on Monday, Nov. 11, revealing the long line of motorists as Taiheiyo trucks crossed the national road.
Since there is only one entry and exit point, other motorists have to stop to allow Taiheiyo’s trucks to go in or out of the plant.
“Traffic now is getting heavier. Any obstruction on the national road causes build-up,” Garcia said.
The governor suggested applying the same traffic schedule implemented by Apo Cemex Philippines in the City of Naga.
Since Sept. 3, 2019, Cemex has implemented a ban on trucks going in and out of its plant from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to avoid hampering traffic flow on the national highway, especially during rush hour.
Taiheiyo Philippines president Kazuhiko Ichikawa, for his part, assured Garcia that they will look into it and conduct a vehicular count in the area to determine the busiest time of the day.
He said it is a must to do so since they are currently working on their plant’s expansion, which is set to be completed next year.
With the expansion, Taiheiyo targets to increase the current production of 2.2 metric tons per day to 4.5 metric tons.
The governor, though, expressed concerns on the expansion if the current situation isn’t resolved, saying any expansion will affect traffic in the area.
“It would not be fair if so many road users will be inconvenienced just to benefit a company,” she said. (RTF)