CEBU, Philippines - Works are already underway to fix the roads at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) that lead to SM City - Cebu.
This is to fulfill the city commitment to use the P50 million SM has paid the city in advance, which is intended to finance infrastructure projects within the mall’s surroundings.
The city government will begin asphalting one lane of J.C. de Vera Street and 3rd Avenue, roads that lead to the mall.
Mayor Michael Rama said P13 million has been budgeted for asphalting. The project has been awarded to a contractor. The P13 million is part of the P50 million advanced payment of SM to the city this year.
Last Tuesday, Rama met with owners of business establishments operating within the NRA to seek their help on how the city government can fast track the implementation of the project.
Some motorists have questioned why the city has not repaired the roads near the mall despite the advance payment made by SM. During their meeting, Rama created a task force composing of business owners who will work together to fix the roads.
Rama believes the business establishments must take part in the project since a major reason the roads have become dilapidated is the entry of heavy trucks into the area to deliver supplies to these establishments.
Some business owners blamed the presence of illegal dwellers in the area, but Rama said it is impossible for these people to inflict such damage on the road. He, nevertheless, assured the business owners that the city will address the persistent problem of illegal dwellers.
For the grading of J.C. de Vera St. and 3rd Avenue, the city is using equipment lent by one of the establishments. Another company also sponsored the fuel for the grader, roller backhoe of pay loader and dump trucks. A Japanese contractor is also reportedly willing to provide filling materials.
The City Traffic Operations and Management (CITOM) will implement rerouting while grading is ongoing. Rama said the city will allocate funds for further civil works. (FREEMAN)