The P126.5 million needed to construct the flyover comes from Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar’s priority development assistance fund. The amount will revert to the national coffers if unused by yearend.
“That’s what we have, that’s what we get,” the mayor said when told that the businessmen said the flyover will only solve the gridlock in the A.S. Fortuna intersection.
The Cebu City Council is meeting Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) 7, City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), homeowners, and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed Banilad-Talamban flyover.
Del Mar earlier said they are giving concerned parties until the end of the month to come up with proposals.
Public hearing
The construction of a flyover at the intersection of Gov. Cuenco Ave. and A.S. Fortuna St. is being opposed by businessmen, who wanted that either the road is widened first or that a skyway be built. The skyway will span the intersection up to the Gov. Cuenco junction with the small road leading to Gaisano Country Mall.
In their regular session yesterday, Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said holding a public hearing, where all concerned individuals and groups could express their views, will serve as the best venue to get the concerns of all sectors.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama asked those interested to join the public hearing to signify their intent with the City Council secretary’s office.
Jakosalem said that aside from the flyover, the Banilad-Talamban traffic problem would be the general topic for discussion.
In a press conference yesterday, Osmeña said the businessmen’s offer to sell their lots at lower prices is not binding to the City Government.
No money
Businessman Bunny Pages earlier said he will work out a memorandum of agreement for the businessmen owning lots in the area to sell their properties at just P4,000 per square meter instead of P15,000.
But the mayor said the City does not have money for road widening, while the flyover already has a budget.
“We don’t have the money for it. It (skyway) is just a publicity stunt. We have money for the flyover,” Osmeña said.
Businessmen had said the flyover is short, which will result in more congestion in the Country Mall junction and prevent south-bound vehicles in going to the Banilad Town Center commercial complex.
Yesterday, Councilor Edgardo Labella also asked that representatives of Barangays Banilad, Talamban, and Kasambagan, as well as that of the different homeowner associations, to show up in a hearing set at 9 a.m. Wednesday next week. (RHM)
