CITOM rejects offer for loading bay space

CEBU, Philippines - The City Traffic Operations Management has rejected the offer of a private company of a space for a loading and unloading bay along Leon Kilat Street in Cebu City.

In a letter to the city, Gaisano Capital Group of Companies Finance Manager Yongson Huan said the company is willing to provide the space to help ease vehicle traffic in the area.

But CITOM Executive Director Rafael Yap said the bay cannot be established there because the sidewalks are narrow.

“We regret to inform you that modifying the sidewalk within the RROW for the proposed loading bay shall not be allowed,” Yap said.

He said that based on recent inspection, the width of the sidewalk, which is part of the existing road right-of-way, is 3.25 meters based on recent inspection.

Yap explained that the sidewalk, which is part of the road right-of-way, is intended for the safe pedestrian passage and shall be free from obstructions.

Section 3 of City Ordinance No. 1360 states that, “all roads right-of-way should be free of any obstructions whether temporary, permanent or rolling.”

Instead of a loading and unloading bay, designated PUJ stop bays with corresponding signs will be provided in the area, Yap said.

In the same letter to the city, Yongson said they decided to offer the space because of incessant complaints from their customers, as well as from those who visit the Pag-ibig and the National Statistics Office branches at the mall, on the worsening condition of vehicle traffic in the area.

“Congestion along Leon Kilat Street particularly at the Gaisano Capital South store has been experienced lately. Public utility vehicles and private cars alike indiscriminately load and unload passengers causing heavy traffic at times,” the letter reads. – Kristine B. Quintas/JMO (FREEMAN)