Upon instructions of Mayor Khymer Olaso, and acting with a sense of urgency, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat and Executive Assistant on Traffic Management Retired Gen. Edwin de Ocampo on Monday, September 15, met with Ateneo de Zamboanga University officials to find immediate and short, medium and long-term solutions to the never-ending traffic woes especially in Gov. Alvarez corner La Purisima Street.

The meeting that took place at the office of ADZU President Fr. Guillrey Anthony Ernald Andal, SJ, discussed the causes of gridlocks in the area, and shared valuable inputs, observations and concrete solutions to the perennial traffic problem.

Among the possible solutions are the relocation of the drop-off and pick-up points which are presently located near the intersection; shortening of pick-up and drop-off time from 30 seconds to 15 seconds; possibility of building layovers for drop-off and pick-up points in both La Purisima and Nuñez Extension; installation of barriers along Alvarez Street and La Purisima Street, and the augmentation of traffic enforcers with support from ADZU security personnel who will assist in traffic management.

Early Tuesday morning, September 16, Lobregat conducted an on-site inspection, as barriers were already installed at Alvarez Street.

He underscored the importance of close cooperation among the city government, the private sector and other government institutions, in solving the traffic problem in the city.

Also present during the meeting were Fr. Richard Ella and other school officials and school security personnel. (CMO-PIO) (photo credits: Dexter Atilano)