MMDA working with DILG to clear alternate roads

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it has started coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and barangay leaders to clear the so-called “Mabuhay Lanes” or alternate roads of obstructions.

During the agency’s Sunday radio program, MMDA Assistant General Manager Emerson Carlos said that the DILG was the main agency tasked to clear alternate roads under the “whole government approach” to improve traffic flow in Metro Manila.

According to Carlos, since some of the vehicles parked on roads were given permits by barangay officials, it was up to the DILG to deal with the matter.

“Now, the barangays also have directives to clear all Mabuhay Lanes which will serve as alternate routes for Edsa,” he said.

He added that aside from illegally parked vehicles, local officials should also do away with basketball courts, street gatherings such as people having videoke sessions, food stalls and other road obstacles.

Two weeks ago, the MMDA announced that there were 17 Mabuhay lanes or express routes which private vehicles could take to avoid heavy traffic on Edsa.

“The MMDA and the DILG have also met in a joint meeting local government units of Pasay, Caloocan and Quezon City to clear all [roads of] obstructions,” MMDA Traffic Engineering head Neomie Recio said.

“We have shortcuts going to Greenhills, Divisoria and Baclaran. For example, [if] you come from the North Luzon Expressway, you don’t need to use Edsa,” she added. -Maricar B. Brizuela