Manila street lighting program to make city safer and more convenient

MANILA: If Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has his way, Manila is set to become a “city of lights,” thanks to street lighting projects. The lighting initiatives are primarily being done to prevent crimes that normally happen in dark areas.

In an interview held last August 12, Manila City Department of Engineering and Public Works Director Armand Andres said that they have completed the lighting of numerous roads and highways in the city.

Andres stated, “Meron tayong street lighting program. Nailawan na natin ang Taft Avenue, ang España, meron pa tayong mga main thoroughfare na iilawan. Meron na tayo sa Roxas Boulevard (We have a street lighting program. We have already lighted up Taft Avenue, España is done, and other main thoroughfares will follow. We've already done Roxas Boulevard).”

Currently, the engineering department has placed solar studs on Roxas Boulevard to light up the main thoroughfare and assist the motorists who are driving at night, specifically during heavy rain.

At present, the lighting has become an attraction, particularly after a netizen uploaded a video of it on social media.

According to Andres, only the northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard, which is from Vito Cruz to Anda Circle, has been completed. Anda Circle is within Intramuros, which is close to the Port Area and is also being developed.

Other main streets that are set to be illuminated are Burgos Drive, Taft Avenue, and Rizal Avenue from Carriedo towards the boundary of Caloocan and Manila.

Recently, Mayor Domagoso also inaugurated the illuminated street of Espana.

Andres added that 61 new lampposts were mounted ot the southbound lane of España Boulevard, while 55 sets were on the northbound lane.

On the main island, a total of 56 lampposts were also mounted.

Domagoso explained that he is also planning to place closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area, extending toward the university belt area of the city. This will help enhance security for those who are walking in the area, specifically at night.

Moreover, free wifi digital kiosks have also been installed for students who are residing or studying in this particular area of the city.

The rehabilitated and well-illuminated Jones Bridge as well as the dancing and lighting fountain in front of the Bonifacio Shrine beside Manila City Hall are already considered new landmarks of the city.

Photos from pna.gov.ph

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