DPWH urged to repair flyovers

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol officials have maintained their silence on the issue of constructing new flyovers in Cebu City and have instead requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to take care of the bad state of some flyovers in Metro Cebu.

Whether or not new flyovers are needed to ease traffic in Cebu City has drawn lines among Cebu City officials as well as the civil society and the issue was even raised to Malacañang.

But Capitol officials keep mum on the issue despite being affected since the seat of provincial government is situated in the city.

In the last Provincial Board session, there was a discussion on flyovers in Metro Cebu but not on the issue of constructing new ones.

Lone opposition Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy wants DPWH to repair and rehabilitate some flyovers in Metro Cebu.

Sitoy cited the uneven pavement of the flyover in highway Maguikay, Mandaue City that has been a long time problem of both drivers and commuters who more often than not, expect the area to be heavily congested with vehicles. Another flyover Sitoy cited is the one along Archbishop Reyes Avenue in Cebu City where there are missing railings which may be detrimental to motorists.

“It is deemed the duty of the DPWH-7 to repair and to rehabilitate the designated flyovers in Metro Cebu,” Sitoy said.

Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar proposed the construction of two flyovers in Gorordo Avenue and M.J. Cuenco with a P600 million total worth. But its work in November last year was stalled by opposition from Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and a mixed group of  heritage advocates, traffic managers, urban planners, Asilo dela Milagrosa nuns and citizens pushing for a “liveable” city.

Last November 28, Del Mar and Rama met in Malacañang with President Benigno Aquino III to address the suspended projects.

As a result of the meeting, Aquino ordered the DPWH to complete a traffic study on both sites to help decide whether the projects will proceed this year.

Del Mar expressed confidence that the study will be in her favor saying that the flyovers are needed to decongest these two traffic-clogged intersections. (FREEMAN)