Budget ready to solve traffic and flooding problems in north district

CEBU, Philippines - A budget of over P1.182 billion is now available for various infrastructure projects to solve the problem of traffic and flooding in Cebu City’s north district.

Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel del Mar announced yesterday that she was able to secure another P158 million for two separate projects in Barangay Banilad and downtown Cebu, particularly in Colon Street.

Of the P158 million, P150 million will be allocated for the road widening and concreting of Gov. Manuel Cuenco Avenue from the Mahiga Bridge to the corner of Cabangcalan Street and Quezon Ave. Meanwhile, some P100 million will be used to acquire a road right-of-way and another P50 million for the drainage system, curbs and gutters, and sidewalks.

The widening is expected to complement the existing Banilad flyover and help ease congestion at the Banilad-Talamban area.

The rest of the P7.9 million will be used to improve the drainage system along Colon Street in downtown Cebu, which is identified as one of the flood-prone areas in the city.

Earlier, Del Mar secured P600 million, which is part of the Annual Budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, to fund the construction of two flyovers to decongest the intersection of M.J. Cuenco Avenue and Gen. Maxilom Avenue and the intersection of Gorordo Avenue, Archbishop Reyes Street and D. Jakosalem Extension.

The DPWH has also budgeted about P378 million for regular infrastructure projects while some P46 million for various infrastructure projects will come from Del Mar’s Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The two flyovers are scheduled to be constructed within the year. Of the P300 million budget for each flyover, P150-million is allocated for the structure itself while the other P150 million is allocated for the road right-of-way.

Del Mar said she has requested DPWH-7 Director Pedro Herrera Jr. to schedule the public hearing on the plans and specifications of the two flyovers. All stakeholders will be invited.    - (THE FREEMAN)