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BCDA hails plan to ban grass burning along SCTEX, NLEX
Author: BCDA
Posted: January 20, 2010 | Category: SCTEX
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) yesterday hailed the quick action of the municipal council of Mabalacat in Pampanga regarding a proposed ordinance sponsored by Councilor Jerry Basilio, banning grass burning along national roads, particularly the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
BCDA’s spokesperson for the SCTEX Robert Gervacio said “it is about time that the indiscriminate burning of grass and such other farming practices that place the motoring public in grave danger are appropriately addressed by the authorities.”
Mabalacat Vice Mayor Prospero Lagman said the measure was immediately referred to the appropriate committees, specifically the committee on public safety and the committee on health, sanitation and environmental protection, to enable its quick passage.
“The BCDA fully supports the passage by the Mabalacat municipal council of an ordinance prohibiting grass burning which brings about thick smoke that imperils travel along the expressways,” Gervacio said.
The BCDA also called on the local government of the other towns through which the 94-kilometer SCTEX passes – all the way from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to Tarlac City – to enact similar ordinances that will ensure safe and convenient travel along the toll road.
Last Dec. 28, a multiple vehicle smashup on the SCTEX portion within Mabalacat’s Barangay Tabun left four people dead and several others injured. Investigators said the accident was caused by thick smoke, emanating from a grass fire set off by local residents, along the toll way. The smoke resulted in zero visibility on the affected portion of the SCTEX.
Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCAD-C) chair Edgardo Pamintuan has also expressed serious concern about the deadly smoke that often covers road networks as a result of indiscriminate grass burning. Thus, he urged the Mabalacat local government to act promptly to solve this problem.
Meanwhile, the Mabalacat municipal government, responding to a request from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), recently turned over to the SCTEX management several streetlight sets for installation along the toll way. Mabalacat municipal administrator Rosano Pacquia said the streetlights would be set up under the SCTEX bridges in Barangays Dolores and Mabiga.
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