Donor dismayed over city's failure to maintain road

CEBU, Philippines - A landowner in Barangay Kalunasan has expressed dismay over the alleged failure of the city government to keep its promise to maintain the road that he donated to the city for public use years ago.

The donor, Ronald Diola, channeled his sentiments in a letter to Mayor Michael Rama.

“This stretch of road is in a state of disrepair that needs immediate rehabilitation and attention. One of the conditions of said donation was the upkeep and maintenance of the road,” Diola’s letter reads.

Diola donated 2,900 square meters of his property to be converted into a road between Sitio Upper Kalunasan and Lower Kalunasan. However, when he visited the road a few weeks ago, he saw that the 363-meter road has become dilapidated.

“I was appalled at the current state of the road lot. The road has deteriorated to a point where parts of it have already collapsed and the rainwater has slowly eroded the ground and the seven culverts which I helped installed through self-help program of the city have likewise collapsed,” Diola said.

He said that the present condition could have been prevented if the drainage system has also been maintained properly.

Diola also believes that the constant movement of heavy equipment laden with filling materials has contributed to damaging the road.

Diola said it is very likely that accidents may occur in the area if the road will not be fixed immediately.

The road that runs beside the Kalunasan Elementary School is a vital link between Barangay Guadalupe and Sitio Oppra of Barangay Kalunasan.

Many children pass the road everyday.

In its regular session last Wednesday, the City Council decided it is best to refer the matter to the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) for appropriate action. (FREEMAN)