RDC eyes south road expansion

Cebu - The Regional Development Council reiterated its request to the Department of Public Works and Highways to expand from two lanes to four lanes a section of the Cebu South Road.

RDC infrastructure development committee chairman Emmanuel Rabacal said the RDC had requested the DPWH-Philippine-Japan Highway Loan Project-Project Management Office to consider the proposal to widen the Toledo City-Carcar City section of Cebu South Road.

The Cebu Provincial Development Council already forwarded the RDC Secretariat Resolution No.2 to the DPWH for the inclusion of road expansion in the 2009 infrastructure program. 

However, in its reply letter dated May 2004, the DPWH informed the RDC-7 that the proposal could not be considered due to the funding constraints.

In the joint RDC and Regional Peace and Order Council meeting held at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday afternoon, Rabacal said the existing two-lane road section has been inefficient.

“To date, the existing two-lane road section has been functionally rendered inefficient within its influence area considering the current rapid urbanization and development particularly in the Naga City and Carcar City area,” the RDC resolution read.

According to Rabacal, the upgrading of road section to four lanes will raise the level of productivity, agri-industrial development and welfare of the people in the southern part of the province.

Rabacal said the Cebu South Road also plays a vital role because it serves as the main road link to the southern part of the province.

He also said that it would serve as direct links to the provinces of Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor and to the north-western part of Mindanao.

The RDC is chaired by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. — Garry B. Lao/LPM (THE FREEMAN)