Rama orders flyover Reassessment

CEBU, Philippines - To avoid further accidents involving infrastructure projects, a reassessment on flyover approaches and street corners was ordered by Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama.

“I have given Raffy Yap (CITOM head) the instructions to check on our existing flyover approaches,” Rama told reporters adding that these are flyovers and intersections that are waiting for accidents.

The mayor cited the case of Banilad-Talamban flyover whose concrete barrier was recently hit by a private car that caused a former beauty queen severe injuries.

It was later found out that the safety signage at the area was not included in the construction of the flyover.

“Why are they putting a flyover and not have the budget for signage?” Rama said adding that safety precautions is imperative on infrastructure projects like flyovers.

He reiterated his stand against “irresponsible” and “wrong investment” on flyover projects without sound traffic management plan.

“Government should be responsible enough that if you incorporate a project, you must complete it,” the mayor added.

Rama has also instructed the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) chief Kenneth Enriquez to do a massive road inventory.

To ease traffic situation in now congested Sudlon corner in Lahug near the Mormon temple, the city government is also eyeing road and bridge widening.

This is the same spot where a Gorordo-Doña Modesta Gaisano flyover was supposed to be constructed but was deferred  due to massive public disapproval.

This project leads to fulfillment of the long-planned Gua-dalupe-Lahug access route which consequently lightens the traffic situation in uptown Cebu City.

“We are currently checking who owns the bridge leading to Ecotech. We will widen the road, make a flare and oblique road going to the left upon entering corner Sudlon,” Rama said.

He added that this will create continuous mobility of vehicles.

Another development in Barangay Lahug is the planned construction of its new police station.

“I talked to Kap Mary Ann (delos Santos) about the new Lahug police station to be located beside the barangay hall. We need to talk to the Province about this since the lot is owned by them,” Rama said.

Meanwhile,Rama is also meeting with architects and civil engineers from the academe for a possible tie-up on the design of the planned third bridge connecting Cebu City and Cordova town.

“I will be meeting with associations of architects and civil engineers in Cebu and even from schools offering these fields to ask for a design of the third bridge,” the mayor said.

He is also set to meet with authorities to discuss reported leaking at the tunnel.

“We are also meeting about SRP and I would like to check about the dripping water at the tunnel,” Rama said. —/MBG (FREEMAN)