Construction firms urged: Don’t block roadways

CEBU CITY (April 29, 2024) – The Office of the Building Official (OBO) reminds contractors to not block roadways near their construction sites.

Arch’t. Lyndon Fermo Jr., OBO Complaints and Inspection Division head, said construction firms that obstruct traffic violates Presidential Decree 1096, or the National Building Code.

“During roving, niya makit-an mo namo nga naa jud sa dan, niya ni-suffer jud ang pedestrian traffic, mo– issue gyud mi og notice of violations and fines,” Fermo said during OBO’s Sayon Ra, Paspas Pa teleradyo program over RMN Sugboanon Channel on April 24.

Fermo also reminded contractors to also provide measures to protect pedestrians from harm due to their operations.

Contractors can put up railings, fences, and canopies around their construction sites to protect pedestrians.

Eng’r. Joshua James Ng, OBO Processing and Evaluation head, also reminded contractors that they also need to secure a permit if they wish to use a public sidewalk as part of their operations.

“Kung ma-approve ang inyong Building Permit diri sa OBO, and ganahan mo mogamit sa atoang sidewalk, molukat mo og Temporary Sidewalk Enclosure permit diri sa Office of the Building Official,” said Ng.

Section 1105 of PD 1096 allows contractors to close a sidewalk or walkway provided that the OBO has given prior authorization.

In case if there is no sidewalk along the construction site, a temporary walkway of at least 1.2 meters or 4 feet shall be provided, Ng added.

Ng said that the law also prohibits contractors to block pathways and even emergency devices such as fire hydrants and utility boxes.

“Dili pwede nga e-obstruct ang atong fire hydrant. So kung naay fire hydrant ang atong public place, dili adto ibutang ang materials ug equipment,” Ng said.

“Another nga dili pwede e-obstruct kay ang atong police alarm box, utility box, catch basin, ug ang atoang mga drainage manholes,” he added.

Arch’t Florante Catalan, OBO head, also reminded contractors and their personnel not to mix mortar, concrete or similar materials in public roads or in other public spaces.

 “Ayaw mo pag masa sa area nga dili kamoy tag-iya, labi na sa dalan,” he added.

Fermo said that aside from being penalized with a fine, contractors could get their building permits suspended or revoked, depending the gravity and frequency of the violation.

Catalan also encouraged contractors to review and know better the mandatory safety requirements mandated in PD 1096 to avoid getting penalized. | RMN / kac

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