Road repair, reblocking resumes on EDSA amid quarantine

The Department of Public Works and Highways resumed road reblocking and repairs along several Metro Manila roads amid the enhanced community quarantine.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s Tuesday report on 24 Oras, with the restricted movement of the public and fewer vehicles plying the streets during the quarantine period, the DPWH decided to conduct a limited rehabilitation along EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and C5 Road.

“Reblocking ng mga sections na dilapidated para naman ‘yong delivery ng essential services natin, unhampered and yun naman workers natin will be observing quarantine protocols,” DPWH-National Capital Region director Ador Canlas said.

Before the Luzon-wide quarantine, the DPWH would usually start reblocking from Friday night until Monday morning due to heavy traffic.

With the risk of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), construction workers were required to wear personal protective equipment such as face shields, face masks and gloves.

He also said there is a supervisor from the contractor and the DPWH who would ensure the workers were observing safety protocols such as social distancing.

“The contractor will provide a facility where workers will be able to sleep at ‘di sila uuwi agad,” Canlas added.

Meanwhile, some construction workers along EDSA were still seen not wearing enough protective gear.

But the workers did not complain, saying they were already happy being able to get back to work.

“Masaya dahil nakaluwag kami sa pagkain kahit papaano ay nakaraos din,” Alfredo Loblete said.

“Okay lang, magtitiyaga kami kaysa walang trabaho,” John Patrick Digo added.

In the next few days, the DPWH said the repair and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) would also be done.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire Luzon under quarantine until April 30 in a bid to curb the COVID-19 crisis.

Strict measures, including restrictions on travel and the closure of most establishments have been imposed during the quarantine period.

The country has so far reported a total of 6,599 cases of COVID-19, including 437 fatalities and 654 recoveries. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News