THREE major roads in Cebu City will be widened to ease traffic congestion. The acquisition of the road right of way (RROW) is being facilitated by Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo.
Guardo, infrastructure committee chairman, said two lanes on each side will be added to these roads.
To be widened are Juan Luna Ave. in Barangay Mabolo, Osmeña Blvd. corner Vicente Sotto St., and Salinas Drive to Veterans Drive in Lahug, Cebu City.
On both Juan Luna Ave. and Salinas Drive, 30 meters will be added to expand the existing four-lane roads to six lanes at a length of 301 meters. On Osmeña Blvd. corner V. Sotto St., 37 meters will be added to widen the existing four-lane roadway to eight lanes at a length of 114 meters.
According to Guardo, the project will be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and it is set to start the civil works on Juan Luna Ave. within the year.
Of the budget, P339 million is allocated for the RROW acquisition, while around P50 million is for the civil works. Then again, Guardo added that these are just budget estimates.
Guardo made this clarification after Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama’s privilege speech during the regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, where he talked about the construction of flyovers as well as the need to protect the environment.
Rama said he received a letter from the DPWH containing the details of the project, known as the “Construction of Flyovers/Interchanges/Underpasses/Long Span Bridges/Flyover” along the mentioned roads.
“The proposed flyover is only the title of the project—that’s what I clarified. The scope of their (DPWH) work covers road right of way acquisition and civil works for widening,” clarified Guardo.
Rama has been vocal in his opposition to flyover projects in the city, saying it will destroy the heritage character of the city and mar the view of historical sites.
Rama, the chairman of the committee on environment, also said he wants to meet with the DPWH personnel first before deciding if he will allow the removal of trees that will be affected by the widening.
Some members of the Cebu City Council also raised their concerns to the DPWH.
Councilor Alvin Dizon said the DPWH should incorporate nature and tree preservation in its projects.
Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. also asked the DPWH to complete its projects first before starting new ones.
The Council called for a Citizens Hour on March 4 so that the DPWH and the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) personnel can answer the queries of the members of the Council. (JJL)