City Impounds Machine for Violating ‘Daytime Road Work’ Order

Traffic authorities in Cebu City impounded two machines used in an asphalting project along General Maxilom Extension at past 5 am Sunday because the workers violated the order of Mayor Michael Rama.

A pneumatic and road rollers, both owned by a private contractor undertaking the project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-7 regional office, were confiscated by CITOM officials.

CITOM operations officer Jonathan Tumulak said the laborers were still working their asphalting project at 5:33 am even if Mayor Rama had already ordered that construction and road repair works shall be done only from 9 pm until 5 am so it will not obstruct the flow of traffic.

Tumulak said the heavy equipment were brought to CITOM’s impounding area in North Reclamation Area while waiting for the mayor’s further instruction.

Rama said the apprehension of said heavy equipments shows that the city government is serious in banning road construction and repair during daytime.

The asphalting work in the said area is a project of DPWH undertaken by the Worldwide Construction, although the impounded heavy equipments are owned by Socor Construction.

When asked if the city will require the contractor to pay the corresponding fine, the mayor said he will decide on the matter today.

Acting City Engineer Jose Marie Poblete said the city had already informed DPWH District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor that Rama does not want any road construction and repair projects to be undertaken during daytime.

The mayor observed that a road asphalting project along Escario Street last week had caused traffic congestion, prompting him to issue the order.