Rama to congressmen: Consult City Hall for projects

CEBU, Philippines - After Cebu City Hall learned of a plan to build to more two-lane flyovers in the city, Cebu City Michael Rama asks Cebu City congressmen to consult them before pursuing projects in the city. 

Rama said additional flyovers could not solve the current traffic conditions, adding that the city is currently focusing its efforts on widening main roads where traffic congestion is worse. 

The mayor believes that City Hall knows better on what the city needs, and constructing more flyovers is not one of these

He, however, clarified that he is not against the construction of flyovers, only that these must be built on wider roads.

“If they really want to do something for the city, please consult. Please consult…consult kay di ni mahimo ang governance kon dominion,” Rama said.

The mayor plans to meet with members of the Banilad-Talamban Traffic Task Force to discuss measures against heavy traffic congestion.

The two flyovers will be at the intersection of M.J. Cuenco and General Maxilom Avenues, and another at the junction of Gorordo and Archbishop Reyes Avenues.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake the project with a budget of P400 million for both flyovers.

DPWH engineers have started preparing the Program of Works and Estimates together with the design of the two flyovers and this is expected to be done within in a month.

Former Cebu City North district congressman Raul del Mar proposed for the initial budget of the twin projects and this was later pursued by his daughter, Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar who succeeded his post. 

The Local Government Code provides that major infrastructure projects can only be implemented with the knowledge and consent of the local government officials concerned. (FREEMAN)