The city government of Manila on Tuesday reopened the Lagusnilad underpass along Taft Avenue after its rehabilitation has been completed.

Mayor Honey Lacuna, who led the reopening in simple rites, said the move is expected to ease vehicular traffic in the city especially for motorists going to shopping destinations such as Quiapo and Divisioria for the holiday season.

The new features of the underpass include lighting on both sides, in addition to the solar studs put on the concrete flooring to ensure the safety of motorists.

“When it’s raining, it will no longer be flooded and there will be no potholes. We also increased the cement and it’s not just asphalt,” she told reporters.

While the Lagusnilad underpass is under the jurisdiction of the national government, the city government took the initiative to have it repaired due to complaints from the motorists regarding its bad state.

The thoroughfare’s rehabilitation began in May.

Lacuna said the city government shouldered PHP50 million of the expenses while the office of Manila 5th District Rep. Irwin Tieng contributed PHP20 million.

She reported that the lawmaker had committed to give PHP100 million as additional budget that will be used for upgrading its pumping system.

The Lagusnilad underwent a total upgrade by means of concreting, drainage system improvement, curing and waterproofing, among others.

Securing the holidays

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District said it is ready to secure the Christmas season.

Speaking at the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) “Balitaan” held at the Harbor View restaurant in Ermita, Manila, MPD chief Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay said plans had been laid out to ensure the smooth traffic flow in the areas of Divisoria, Binondo and Quiapo which are considered as shopping destinations during the holiday season.

In compliance with Lacuna’s order, Ibay said they would ensure that major roads and thoroughfares must be free from illegal vendors and strengthen police visibility to thwart criminal activities.

He added help desks will be put up in places of convergence such as shopping malls to help those who may need police assistance while strategic checkpoints will be put in various areas within the city. (PNA)