CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Sports Center track oval will be closed starting in the middle of July to give way to its rehabilitation.
The Bids and Awards Committee of the Cebu City Government already sent last week the notice of award to the winning contractor, Sierra Universal Corporation.
Ricky Ballesteros, CCSC manager, said that as soon as the contractor confirmed receipt of the notice of award, they will immediately start the countdown.
Ballesteros said that the winning contractor will need two months for the importation of materials, especially the rubber, to be utilized. After this, the contractor may start with the actual work.
A week before that, civil works shall be undertaken which includes the fencing off of the area, inspection of the drainage system and scraping off of the old rubber track.
After the old rubber track is removed, the foundation or the base shall be inspected to find out if repairs are needed. The city government has budgeted about P17 million for the restoration of the asphalt pavement, if necessary. The rehabilitation of the rubber track costs more than P20 million.
There will be some changes to the design and lay-out of the field to ensure proper maintenance later.
Ballesteros said that considering that the oval is the best venue so far for the annual Sinulog Grand Parade, they will undertake some modifications like the cemented area in front of the grandstand will be widened because the rubber track for the triple long jump will be relocated.
They plan to widen the cemented area so the float entries during Sinulog will not have to pass by the rubber track. There will also be more room for audience on the ground level.
The gate will be widened by about two meters so contingents and their props may easily pass.
To ensure that the oval will be used for running, jogging and other similar activities only, a perimeter fence will be constructed.
Ballesteros said that after a month of putting the new rubber track, it will take another month for the curing.
He cautioned in rushing the contractor to make sure that the city will get the best result.
“Kasagaran sa mga rason nganong naa’y dili maayo nga oval is because gidali-dali ang contractors. We don’t want that to happen. So we will follow the schedule and right process,” Ballesteros said.
Actual works will be done from 4 to 6 in the morning and from 4 to 6 in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the sun.
All rubberized track ovals are expected to last at least five years but with proper maintenance, it could last until 10 years and beyond. The present oval is already 17 years old.
On mid-July until the rehabilitation is completed, the CCSC will close only the oval but other facilities like the fitness gym, the swimming pool, among others will be available. —/FPL (FREEMAN)