8 suppliers want to bid for track oval repairs

CEBU, Philippines - Eight suppliers want to participate in the bidding for the repair of the 16-year-old 400-meter rubberized track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Sports center manager Ricky Ballesteros said the Cebu City Bids and Awards Committee will handle the bidding for the repair which is estimated to cost at least P35 million to P40 million.

The rubberized track oval of the Cebu City Sports Center, which was built in 1994 for the Palarong Pambansa, has been severely damaged and already needs to be replaced.

According to Ballesteros the complete replacement of the rubberized track oval will take two to three months.

Aside from wear and tear, the rubberized track now has cracks, holes and craters, which sports officials said are potentially dangerous.

The holding of the annual Sinulog celebration has also contributed to the damage of the track oval because huge vehicles that are converted into floats are allowed to pass by in front of the grandstand.

“Maayo bitaw g’yud nga ayuhon nila ni pagdali kay humok na kaayo ang rubberized oval ilabi na kon init ang panahon kay malanay ang guma sa kainit sa adlaw,” said Wilson Abella, who visits the sports center every week.

Ballesteros said the rubberized track will be completely removed to determine whether or not the asphalt below it is still in good condition.

“Kon makita gani nga maayo pa ang aspalto sa ilawom sa rubberized oval gamay-gamay ra ang gasto nato. Dili tingali moabot og P40 million,” Ballesteros said. (FREEMAN)