Kalibo exec eyes installation of traffic signal system

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Kalibo mayor William Lachica is eyeing the installation of traffic lights in selected intersections in Poblacion Kalibo this year.

The mayor said the installation of two traffic lights will be assisted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The traffic lights will be installed in Crossing  Banga-New Washington Rotanda and the intersection of Mabini Street and Roxas Avenue, two of the busiest intersections in Poblacion Kalibo.

In an interview over the weekend, Lachica said three more traffic lights will be installed by 2015 in selected areas to better manage traffic flows. 

“This is part of the initiative aimed of improving traffic and safety of pedestrians and commuters,” he added.

The mayor wants to prioritize areas of intersections with digital traffic signals leading to Kalibo airport and major streets.

Lachica hinted also the installation of traffic signal system in the intersections of Toting Reyes and Roxas Avenue Extension and the streets near Kalibo Shopping Center to lessen bottleneck of traffic during rush hours. 

It was learned that close to 2,900 registered tricycles are plying routes within the territorial jurisdictions of Kalibo.

The tricycle operators and drivers here recently underwent accreditation seminars as a standard requirement for the application of their renewal for Motorized Tricycle Operators Permit (MTOP). 

Meanwhile, Kalibo deputy chief of police Inspector Benny Jones Mendoza bared plans that several streets in Barangay Poblacion will be converted into one-way streets to reduce traffic congestion.

“We will be experimenting this summer the one-way streets for a better flow of traffic,” he said in a text message.