Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve the lighting fixtures along major roads in the metropolis.
In a meeting with the officials of DPWH and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday, Abalos underscored the importance of streetlights in preventing road accidents.
“Public safety is our utmost priority. Only one busted or broken light would endanger lives,” the new MMDA chairman said in a statement Thursday.
“Without the streetlights, our motorists and commuters are in danger. Part of road safety is making the road visible to all its users,” he added.
According to the MMDA, the DPWH has agreed to fix all streetlights along major thoroughfares in the metropolis and to turn over it to the MMDA in 10 days.
DPWH Undersecretary Robert Bernardo said that the DPWH will pay for the electric bill of all the road lights until it is transferred to the MMDA.
However, the DPWH official raised concern on thieves stealing the lights and other electrical fixtures on some major thoroughfares, especially on tunnels and underpasses.
With this, he warned those stealing the electric materials that they will face charges as streetlights are owned by the government.
“We will continue cooperation with the MMDA and the LGUs (local government units) to make sure that all the streetlights are working,” said Bernardo.
Meanwhile, Abalos has appealed for an “inter-agency collaboration” to ensure that major roads in Metro Manila are well-lit.