‘HD’ look at traffic problem

How “defined” must the traffic problem in Metro Manila be for us to see and understand it? What is the main mission objective of an operative of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)? Isn’t any one of them, by any chance, seeking practical, durable and commendable solutions to the perennial traffic problem in the metropolis? Or if solutions have been found, isn’t any one of them enforcing them? Or am I wrong? The issue is not well understood or is it?

What exactly are the relevant issues to an MMDA operative when he is on the road to perform his job? Isn’t it to ensure free-flowing traffic on the road and to consistently, properly enforce safety traffic rules for the protection and welfare of all road users? If this is the case, then why are MMDA operatives more concerned about watching the traffic on “high definition” (HD) CCTV, a project that will entail the shelling out of a hefty amount of taxpayer money?

I thought that after identifying the causes of the problem, the MMDA will find ways to solve them. Or maybe, our MMDA operatives are short-sighted they need a clearer picture to view obvious problems?

Ok, our roads look clean, well-painted, with healthy plants growing along the sidewalks, etc. The question is, how effective, durable and practical is this HD investment that it has been given more priority than the overall core objectives of the MMDA? Yes, this may impress foreign visitors/tourists for a while, but let us not skip the real issues. These same visitors/tourists will use our major road networks to see the tourist sites around Metro Manila. So please answer the following questions:

Why “prioritize” projects requiring the investment of lots of taxpayer money, such as beautification projects and/or enhancing traffic monitoring equipment over and above the training of personnel, better traffic road signs, safety equipment, quality roads?

How exactly can the MMDA untangle traffic gridlocks with HD CCTVs?

Again, I doubt it very much if any MMDA operative will be able to answer this question. MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino may also answer the question, if he doesn’t mind. I am afraid I may be missing something because I myself cannot figure out an answer. At least, if any of my foreign- based friends intend to visit Manila in the near future, I will know what to answer them if ever they ask me similar questions.

—RIKKI MAGLACAS,

hjmaglacas@gmail.com