Expect more traffic jams with implementation of P140B infra projects—Abad

MANILA, Philippines—Expect major traffic jams not only in Metro Manila but throughout the country starting next month when the government goes full blast in implementing its infrastructure program, the budget department said Thursday.

“There will be temporary problems with respect to the flow of traffic all over the country because what (Public Works) Secretary (Rogelio) Singson has been able to do is accelerate the completion of the infrastructure programs so that it may be completed before 2013,” Budget Secretary Floencio Abad told reporters.

On Thursday President Aquino announced that P140 billion would be spent in January next year for infrastructure development now that he has signed into law the P1.8-trillion national budget for 2012.

Abad said, “Try traveling to Balintawak to Baguio and you will see what we mean—on both sides of the road there are ongoing construction. That will be the case.”

He added that this was a “better problem that an economy that is slowing down.”

Still, Abad said that this problem could be addressed through “timing and management.” He cited, for instance, the suspension of construction projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Metro Manila this Christmas season while construction is ongoing outside the city.

The budget secretary said that the DPWH seeks to implement 2,144 infrastructure projects all over the country, mostly in the poor provinces. Ninety-three percent of these projects will be ready for awarding on January 2 next year, Abad said.