WITH the yearend holidays just around the corner, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy said the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) should set up ‘demarcation lines’ for sidewalk vendors to ease the expected traffic congestion.
“Again I asked the vendors to help in easing the city’s traffic congestion (by staying put in their designated areas). I understand that they need to earn their livelihood but there are times (they violate our conditions) and still, I’m being patient with them. So I asked the RTA to set up ‘demarcation lines’ of sorts so they won’t cross (those lines),” Mayor Uy said in Visayan.
During his Friday radio program, Uy said the RTA could paint these ‘demarcation lines’ on the roads to make it clear to the vendors that they shouldn’t overstep them.
“No, we don’t need to rope them into corners to curtail their movement,” Uy said in Visayan, adding that he will head to the market sites to determine what other steps to take to solve the problem.
“I will conduct my usual inspections and look for a road that may be closed off (and probably they could sell there at a designated time). But still, I will consult with the (City Economic Enterprises Department) and the RTA to get their inputs on the situation along with the (City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office) and (Regulatory Compliance Board),” Uy added.
The mayor emphasized his administration’s willingness to help the sidewalk vendors during his 100 days report last October. But Uy also said the sidewalk vendors should cooperate with City Hall in reducing traffic congestion.
“I hope we won’t get to that point that I will lose my patience and understanding with them since we have laws to follow,” Uy said.
Under the current setup, sidewalk vendors in the city’s public market sites are allowed to sell their wares from 5 pm to 5 am the following day.
“They should comply with traffic laws because it’s for their benefit and for others. They should also understand the plight of the riding public whom they are inconveniencing with their violation of traffic laws,” Uy said. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)
