61 captains back flyover projects

CEBU, Philippines - At least 61 barangay captains in Cebu City, mostly from the north district, signed a manifesto of support for the construction of two flyovers at the intersections of General Maxilom and M.J. Cuenco avenues and at the Gorordo and Archbishop Reyes avenues.

The manifesto came following Mayor Michael Rama’s vehement objection to the twin projects because he believes that road widening should come first to address the traffic congestion in the two areas.

 The signing of the manifesto was initiated by T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Ralota, president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City.

Contrary to Rama’s position, the 61 barangay captains believe that the flyover projects, which will be built under the infrastructure program of North District Representative Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar, will help solve the traffic congestion in the areas.

The manifesto with the signatures of the barangay captains will be presented during the public forum today where the Department of Public Works and Highways officials are scheduled to formally announce the projects.

The DPWH, through Del Mar, has appropriated close to P400 million for both flyover projects.

DPWH has also allocated P250 million additional funds for the road widening and construction of the flyovers.

Rama yesterday insisted to widen the roads first in areas where the flyovers are to be built to solve the traffic congestion.

Rama believes that constructing flyovers will not solve the traffic problem in the area if the roads will remain narrow. (FREEMAN)