ORMOC CITY, (PNA) — It seemed only yesterday when the narrow city streets appeared spacious for the rail users.
But since the population here apparently rises together with the developing economy of the city, the highways have become narrower also due to the proliferation of sidewalk vendors and some encroachments.
It became an open cry of the business sector and the commuters to enforce the city transportation and sanitation ordinance so as to at least answer this complexity.
Ormoc City Mayor Edward C. Codilla responded immediately by arriving at a decision of displacing a lot of sidewalk vendors occupying the national and city roads in pursuing a valid solution of traffic congestion.
Also, a suggestion of the city traffic management for possible enhancements and re-routing was sought out.
The fruit vendors along the side of a mall and other strategic areas at the city hub here were temporarily moved to the mini forest near the old city hall while the fruit park is being repaired.
At the same time, other vendors at the vicinity outside this mall selling various merchandise like DVDs were given up to September 8 to vacate as the city is still seeking an adequate location site for them.
OIC city administrator Atty. Irene Resurreccion held a forum on Traffic Decongestion recently and invited the public and business sector including the public utility vehicle drivers to update the present traffic situation and also encouraging them to air their suggestions.
If quite a number of the affected vendors was agreeable to the city’s decision of relocating them, some wept as they say their income have suffered.
Resurreccion pointed out that the most difficult challenge the city government is facing right now is the discipline of the general public. Subsequently, she asked everyone to consider that the government is only after public safety.
The PUV drivers on the other hand, were advised to put into effect the traffic signs like the loading and unloading to evade from obstructing the smooth traffic flow. Further, additional passage signs were suggested by the traffic division to be placed at strategic spots including national highways traversing the city proper.