Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Accomplishment report awaited
CEBU City Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 to monitor the daily progress of the Banilad flyover’s construction.
He said it will be a big favor if the project is completed within the promised six-month period.
Under its contract with the DPWH 7, however, WTG Construction and Development Corp. has 300 days to finish the project.
The special City Council committee headed by Councilor Hilario Davide III is expected to report today what it has so far accomplished in helping minimize the inconvenience brought to the public as a result of the flyover construction.
Among the committee members, Rama identified Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem as the one in charge of ensuring that all utilities firms have secured their posts and cables.
Councilors Leah Japson and Nestor Archival were told to monitor the construction itself, while Councilor Edgardo Labella is studying its legal complications.
Councilor Augustus Pe, Jr. was tasked to anticipate peace and order concerns, while Councilor Raul Alcoseba was supposed to determine how the council could assist in traffic management.
In a press conference yesterday, Rama said Cebu City will also donate sodium lamps for Mandaue City to light up its streets, particularly those used as alternate routes for the duration of the construction.
He said it is very important to also help and collaborate with Mandaue since there are no other alternative routes aside from its roads.
Heavy equipment has started rolling into the construction site Monday night, heralding the start of heavier-than-usual traffic at the Banilad-Talamban area.
In an interview, Jakosalem said two of Gov. Mariano Cuenco’s four lanes were closed yesterday in front of the TPE Bldg. because of major excavation work.
But it was “on and off,” he said, adding that WTG promised that closing off two lanes will be done only if needed.
WTG already removed the island leading to the Maria Luisa Subdivision and the southbound sidewalk to expand the road for better traffic flow.
“When I passed around 4:45 p.m., only one lane (for each traffic direction) was passable. Now it’s back to the four lanes,” Jakosalem told Sun.Star Cebu during a 6 p.m. interview.
But Banilad Barangay Captain Mary Luz Tabar said that although traffic was heavier than usual, it was still moving.
Also, lawyer Agustinito Hermoso told TV Patrol Cebu that since WTG received only P500,000 instead of the P1.5 million for traffic management because of its low bid, it could not be compelled to pay for the estimated P1 million in Citom enforcers’ overtime pay.
“But the balance will be provided by the DPWH,” he said. (RHM)
