Dave Achondo
THE people of Cagayan de Oro who are tired, and want to see a solution to the growing traffic problem we are currently facing should step forward, be counted, and start taking action.
I know I am not the only one who notices that all the roads leading in and out of the public markets are at a stand-still during rush hours, and one of the reasons for this congestions are street vendors who “re-purpose” the roads according to what they want as if these were built for them and only them.
I am not insulting or belittling them (vendors). I understand that we all have to make a living, but it is just not right for them to do that at the expense of others. To be fair, roads have not been built for vending. These were constructed for all of us to use.
In the eyes of the law, we are all equal. But what or who gave them the right or authority to make roads their stores? I know it wasn’t the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) or city hall. Who then? Nobody did!
Why should street vendors be treated differently? If an traffic law enforcer was brave enough to issue a ticket to Councilor Zaldy Ocon for illegal parking and get slapped in the process, why can’t they really do the same thing to these street vendors for road obstruction. It sounds unfair to me that they’re not really doing that.
What these vendors need to understand is that they are already causing problems and are breaking the law. Look for another location or time to sell your merchandise. Just stop doing it during rush hours.
We cannot let this continue forever as it has been causing problems since the Emano administration’s time, and even before that. It has to stop! Sumo na.
By clearing the roads of vendors, including vehicles that are illegally parked, and penalizing pedestrians who cross just about anywhere on the road, it can dramatically reduce and ease the city’s vehicular traffic situation. This is one of the best solutions to prevent traffic jams during rush hours.
The RTA, city hall, vendors and all of those concerned should start sitting down and discussing a win-win solution. This is to ensure a peaceful transition towards reclaiming our roads for a better city.
The proper way to go about it will always be through discussions, and not through violence.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
