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Thursday, October 20, 2005
Tomas ‘disowns’ coast road
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will leave it to the court to take care of traffic problems and road accidents at the South Coastal Road (SCR), saying his main concern for now is securing the City’s assets at the South Reclamation Project (SRP).
“We’re not taking care of the road, that’s none of my business anymore. My only business is to take care of our assets. Whatever happens there is the business of the judge,” said the mayor.
By issuing the order, the mayor said, the court has stripped the City of the authority and responsibility to manage traffic in the area and ensure public safety.
The mayor said he would not bother to install electricity at the coastal road “because as far as I’m concerned, the road is not opened officially.”
“If anything happens in that road, that’s their (court’s) problem, not mine... They’re the ones dictating to us what to do and what not to do, so that’s their problem now, right?” he continued.
With the court decision to keep the SCR open to all motorists from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Osmeña is now banning fishermen and other persons who may have their livelihood in the area.
He will also deploy additional police at the SRP to prevent burglars and vandals from running away with lampposts, power lines and other City Government properties.
“We have to tighten security in the area. I’m going to clear it of fishermen and other people there. No business allowed inside.
If the road is open and you allow this, we’re only exposing ourselves to greater risks,” said the mayor.
There were no problems encountered yesterday when the SCR was opened to all motorists, but the mayor anticipates problems with vandals, drunks, drag racers and people “loitering around.”
He is also worried about the safety of motorists who might encounter irresponsible drivers or racers, since there are no lights at the SRP and SCR.
After holding at least three hearings on the complaint of lawyer Alfredo Sipalay against the mayor and two other city officials over the closure of the SCR, the Regional Trial Court issued an order directing the City to allow all motorists to use the coastal road.
Osmeña failed to attend all three hearings.
He agrees with Sipalay when the latter said the court’s decision is his victory.
“Oh yes, it’s his victory because he’s not been paying taxes and he filed the case as a taxpayer. Of course it’s a big victory to him,” he said.
Osmeña ordered the SCR closed because of the ongoing construction of a tunnel, the absence of lighting facilities there and looting in the area.
But yesterday, he admitted his decision to close it is “partially motivated” by his rift with Talisay City, who is claiming a part of the SRP. (LCR)
(October 20, 2005 issue)
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