Tuesday, April 01, 2008 Landscape works infront of CH to cost P2.5M to P3M more
THE Cebu City Government needs to shell out P2.5 million to P3 million more for the ongoing landscaping works in front of City Hall legislative building up to the Magellan’s Park across.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama said he is asking the City Budget Office for the amount because, after all, the project is not just of the city legislature but of the whole City Government.
He assuaged the concern of contractor Dakay Construction and Development Corp., which allegedly hesitated releasing P5 million to continue with the work because of questions on funding source.
The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) is giving a P15-million Special Allocation Release Order (Saro) to the City to spruce up the park and for furniture and fixtures of the legislative building.
Drainage
Rama said that of the amount, P11 million is for the park. The City is also improving the drainage system around City Hall.
What has been released, so far, he said, is the first tranche consisting of P5 million.
As per procedure, the rest of the amount will be given once the City submits a progress report.
Rama said the PTA had questions on the implementation of the project because it thought that the P11 million was both for the “softscape” and the “hardscape” already.
Rama explained the softcape is the provision on plants, grasses, and other greeneries, while the the hardscape part involves the concrete and the bricks overlay.
He said the City Engineering Department explained that there were variations from the original landscaping blueprint that resulted to “the hardscape (area and corresponding budget) getting bigger.”
He said landscaping work is expected to be finished in or before June in time for the opening of classes.
The portion of Magallanes St., now referred to as City Hall Lane, by the Magellan’s Cross was closed to traffic since Feb. 11 for the landscaping.
“This is not my project, this is that of the City,” he said, adding that he was confident his request for an allocation will be granted because the City could even afford to donate funds to some organizations.
He said he was not well-versed on the work variation so that the City’s engineers are the ones who should explain the matter.
Rama said the contractor agreed to work “double time” or even 24 hours a day so the closed portion of Magallanes St. could be used again as soon as possible.
He is also scheduled to fly to Manila to follow up on the funding from the PTA, which donated the amount after he made a request to President Arroyo to improve the Rizal park and the area in front of the newly renovated legislative building. (RHM)
