Metro Manila, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said road works will be suspended for close to two months beginning Nov. 1 over a number of events.
After an inter-agency meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the MMDA said the temporary suspension is part of early preparations for the Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day), the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, as well as the holiday season in December.
Under Memorandum Circular 20, the MMDA noted possible higher vehicular traffic for the remaining months of the year that would need fewer road obstructions.
The agency noted that excluded from the moratorium are major infrastructure projects, including asphalt overlay projects without re-blocking works, drainage improvement projects not occupying any part of the roadway, and emergency repairs such as those by water concessionaires and electric companies.
The suspension will be lifted at midnight on Dec. 23. By then, the MMDA said contractors will be permitted to work around the clock from Dec. 23 until 5 a.m. on Jan. 24 to catch up on the delays.
“The temporary suspension is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, allowing commuters and businesses to experience fewer disruptions during this period of increased vehicular activity,” the MMDA stated in the memo.
