Editorial

Freeing the roadfrom obstructions

No local government unit has yet been declared as fully “compliant” to the road clearing operations which are still ongoing in several places. These LGUs have until September 29 to execute the operation or local chief executives face the consequence of being suspended for failure to comply with the national directive.

By this directive, all roads must be free from obstructions so flow of traffic will be rendered smooth and free from unnecessary accidents. Most of these obstructions are physical structures used for commercial purposes and some street sides or shoulders have been utilized as parking areas of private vehicles. Public roads are for use of commuters and never for private purpose. We understand that a public road has its width as standard measure of span… And if there are physical structures within the width span, then these are construed as obstructions and these have to be removed.

In some instances, these physical structures obstruct the waterways which cause flooding following heavy downpours. Waterways along the roads have to be cleared from obstructions but there are some constructions that have rendered parts of waterways as closed, hence, the cloggings.

The road clearing operation has its high merit as this would improve the flow of traffic. But there are already existing laws that disallow or prohibit obstructions in which certain agencies of the government, such as the engineering department, have to look on and prevent from such occurrence. Why these obstructions have permeated despite restrictions are responsibilities of enforcement agencies, the local government units as one. Are the obstructionists so untouchable that enforcement agencies, including barangay governments, appear to be blind and not to see the illegal structures. There are even barangay halls subjected to demolition because the buildings stand on road-right-of way.

Let the road system be for the sole purpose it was built and be free from obstructions. Let the appropriate government agencies police the roads so illegal structures would not thrive. We want a road that looks healthy in sight and motor travel that is really smooth.

No local chief executive would want to be suspended if one fails to comply with the road clearing operation. The LGU has its instrumentality responsible for keeping an eye on roads so these are not proliferated with unwanted physical structures. The LGU has the responsibility for managing traffic and it can pass ordinances to obliterate the road against structures that pose as hazards to traffic.

Let our public roads really be commutable.