MMDA Confronts Contractor for Unscheduled Roadwork in Cubao, Causing Traffic Congestion
MMDA calls out a contractor over an unscheduled asphalt overlay project in Cubao, Quezon City causing traffic chaos in the area.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, or MMDA, is a government agency in the Philippines responsible for managing the development, infrastructure, and overall well-being of Metro Manila.
Established on March 1, 1995, through Republic Act No. 7924, the MMDA’s mandate covers multiple areas, including transportation, public safety, environmental protection, and urban planning.
Its goal is to enhance the quality of life in Metro Manila by addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth.
On Saturday morning (October 28, 2023), the MMDA confronted a contractor for causing severe traffic disruptions in Cubao due to unscheduled roadwork.
The project’s lack of prior notice and coordination led to substantial traffic congestion, not only in the northbound lanes of EDSA but also along the inner roads of Cubao. The commuters and motorists expressed their dismay for being not informed of the unscheduled roadwork.
MMDA Task Force for Special Operation head Bong Nebrija expressed the agency’s frustration at the situation. He went on to explain that New York Avenue is the main route used by provincial buses to reach their terminals.
“Ito inabutan namin madaling araw, maraming nagrereklamo sa amin na traffic na dito sa northbound avenue ng EDSA,” Nebrija said.
Due to unforeseen roadwork, buses were forced to divert onto EDSA, producing congestion and major delays. The traffic jam even extended as far as Santolan in the northbound direction.
“Naantala ngayon ‘yung paglabas ng mga bus dahil sarado sa New York [Avenue]. Ang mga buses nagsipuntahan lahat sa EDSA,” he added.
The unannounced roadwork worsened the problem, as many people were expected to travel over the weekend due to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Monday, as well as the observance of Undas (All Saints’ Day) and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.
Here are some of the comments:
Simple procedural solution: No construction project should start in all Metro Manila without clearance from MMDA. This is to ensure that among others traffic issue is addressed.