DPWH alarmed over rising theft of steel grating

The Department of Public Works and Highways has sought police help to curb the rising thefts of steel grating covers along national highways. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson also asked the public to be vigilant against such thefts, which he said may jeopardize motorists and commuters. “(Before), steel rail guards, signboard poles and bridge metal markers are often the target of the thieves in the provinces; but recently, (the) loss of steel grating is now happening in Metro Manila,” he said. Singson said steel gratings serve as water inlets during floods. He cited the case of the newly opened underpass of G. Araneta and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, where thieves took the steel grating just a week after its inauguration. The theft forced the DPWH to replace the stolen component just to prevent hampering the flow of traffic in the area. But he added the reinstallation of steel grating has disrupted traffic at the underpass. A piece of steel grating at the outer lane of the south approach of the northbound direction of Osmeña flyover crossing Buendia Avenue in Makati City was also stolen, he noted. An inspection showed electrical wires and bulbs of the double arm lighting posts had also been stolen, rendering some portions of the lighting facility no longer functioning. If the rampant loss of such facilities will continue, Singson warned of a possible rise in road accidents. –KG,