Heavy traffic got even worse on Wednesday as motorists swerved to avoid an open manhole plugged with an orange barrier along EDSA’s southbound lane.
Metro Manila Development Authority general Manager Jojo Garcia said MMDA traffic personnel temporary covered the manhole with the orange barrier as a makeshift warning sign in place of the lid, which was reportedly stolen. The lid has yet to be replaced by the company since it was reported missing last Jan. 4.
“Hindi natin puwedeng i-compromise ang safety kaysa sa traffic,” Garcia told radio DZMM.
[We cannot compromise safety over traffic.]
Garcia said the MMDA does not have the equipment to replace the manhole’s lid, saying that the agency will address the situation within the day.
The incident comes amid heavy traffic due to the Traslacion, an annual procession of the 400-year-old Black Nazarene statue that draws millions of devotees.
MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said that on a typical day, traffic speed along the 23.8-kilometer EDSA is at 19 kilometers per hour.