EDSA shouldn't be used as an impoundment area.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos made this clear during an inspection at the ground level of three flyovers along EDSA Tuesday, June 8. Inspected were EDSA-Kamuning, Timog, and Quezon Avenue.
During the activity, Abalos ordered the removal and clearing of all types of clutter and obstructions from these areas, including illegally-parked and abandoned vehicles that had mostly been involved in past accidents.
“Hindi puwedeng gamiting impounding ito (You can't use this for impounding vehicles). This is a national highway... kalye ito. Maski sino, bawal gumamit nito (this is a road. It's prohibited for anyone to use it like this). We will coordinate with the proper authorities on this matter,” Abalos pointed out.
"No parking" and tow away signages will be placed in the areas. This is in line with the agency’s drive against urban decay and to ensure orderliness and cleanliness in the metropolis, he said.
The MMDA chief also appealed to the vehicle owners to refrain from parking on the ground level of flyovers, saying these should be open spaces.
“I will make sure that violators will be sanctioned and issued violation tickets for illegal parking,” Abalos said.
Meanwhile, Abalos instructed the heads of Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG) and Road Emergency Group (REG) to remove unnecessary MMDA equipment on the said areas.
“The equipment that the MMDA is utilizing for emergency purposes will be retained, but not these much. Further, we will identify strategic locations to relocate the remaining equipment. MMDA should set an example here,” he said.
Discarded orange barriers will be disposed as garbage, while broken concrete barriers will be smashed and used as filling materials at the MMDA Tumana Impounding Area in Marikina.
Abalos clarified that this directive applies to all areas within the jurisdiction of MMDA and not just EDSA.