Gov’t to pour in more infra projects into city

CEBU, Philippines -  The national government will be pouring in more road projects to Cebu City through the DOTC-DPWH convergence program, Mayor Michael Rama announced yesterday.

While no amount has been disclosed just yet, Rama said the scope of work includes widening of sidewalks; reestablishment of center islands; and widening of roads in barangays Tinago, San Roque and Carreta, among others.

Rama said these projects are among the city's preparations for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation next year and the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

"We will be seeing new things with excitement for the major events," Rama said.

The city earlier tapped some stakeholders to help beautify and enhance city's streets. The Radisson Blu Hotel, for one, has agreed to maintain and adopt the center island along Juan Luna Avenue.

The city is also undertaking several other projects in partnership with other government agencies, including the rehabilitation of the Sergio Osmeña Boulevard; the development of the Plaza Sugbo grounds, the site of the historical and famous Magellan's cross; clearing of illegal structures encroaching along city's major streets, among others.

In a separate development, Rama met with the City Council Monday to discuss updates of the retirement facility at the South Road Properties  the unpaid balance of Filinvest Land Inc. in its joint venture agreement with the city, as well as other local roads projects.

Councilors Noel Wenceslao, Alvin Dizon, Alvin Arcilla, Sisinio Andales and Nestor Archival were not present during the meeting, which Rama described as a "one of a kind gathering."

Majority of the members of the City Council are allies of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan of former mayor and current South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña. 

Rama told the councilors that the matters should be resolved soon, particularly the retirement facility.

"Let it be discussed. I don't want to be demanding and imposing.  Finalization will always be at the council. But, the retirement is an urgent matter that we should not loss," he said.

"I don't want to be discussing all, these (discussions) will be unfold in due time," Rama added. —   (FREEMAN)