THE Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) will intensify efforts to clear obstructions along sidewalks and bike lanes.
According to CTTMO head Dionisio Abude, they focus on apprehending illegal sidewalk vendors, especially those obstructing sidewalks with their vehicles. This also includes vehicles put up for sale along the highway and vendors who place tables and chairs on the sidewalk, obstructing pedestrian flow.
"Wala koy data pero ginadakop nato na, kay naa sa atong city ordinance nga dili pwede nga magtinda ka, naa kay sakyanan niya gamiton nimo, displayhan nimo og paninda (We do not have exact data, but we apprehend these individuals because our city ordinance prohibits selling with a vehicle and using it to display merchandise)," Abude said during an ambush interview on July 26.
Under the Davao City Transport and Traffic Code of 2012, violators can be fined up to P10,000.
Abude added that the CTTMO would recommend violators to the City Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) to remove illegal structures that congest sidewalks, which falls under their mandate.
"Everytime na duna ta'y makita, ang mga enforcer nato na duna gyu'y ing-ana na obstruction, ato jud nang tanggalon (Every time our enforcers spot such obstructions, we will promptly remove them)," Abude said.
It is worth noting that last January 25, Mini Park Vendors Association (MPVA) stalls near Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) were demolished.
Around 60 stalls along J.P. Laurel Avenue near SPMC were removed to facilitate the hospital's renovation, led by the City Engineer's Office (CEO).
In an earlier report, the ASU continued its road clearing operations, following Executive Order No. 05-2017 "EO 5 series of 2017 Re: An order creating and organizing the Interim Ancillary Services Unit of the Office of the City Mayor, defining its functions, and for other purposes."
ASU head Paul Bermejo said that they have reorganized areas of the city covered in their road clearing operations, implementing the concept of "town squares." The approach divides San Pedro Square, F. Torres Street, Quirino Avenue, A. Pichon Street, Roxas Avenue, Jacinto Square, and Obrero Square into separate areas for clearing possible obstructions. (ICE)