New “creek” on Colon causing traffic woes

CEBU, Philippines - In an effort to solve the flooding problem in downtown Cebu City, the Department of Public Works and Highways is currently constructing a new creek that would traverse along Colon Street.

The ongoing project, undertaken by WTG Construction, has caused a traffic problem along D. Jakosalem Street because one lane of the two-way street between the Colon Street and V. Gullas Street intersections has to be closed to traffic.

The contractor has also failed to comply with the guidelines prescribed by the Commission on Audit (COA) to put up a billboard informing the public on the details of the project, such as the contract cost, and the start and completion dates of the project.

Construction workers have already started digging up a three-meter wide creek near the bridge spanning Estero Parian along D. Jakosalem Street

The FREEMAN tried to reach DPWH Cebu City District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor but he was allegedly in Palawan yesterday attending a convention.

The artificial creek, which would connect to Estero Parian, would be built as alternative solution as it is already difficult for the government to dredge or clean Estero Parian as some buildings along Colon Street were built over it.

When then mayor Michael Rama assumed office in 2010, he immediately announced that he would destroy all illegal constructions above waterways, including Estero Parian, and impose the required three-meter easement.

He, however, failed to fulfill his promise within his term and lost the opportunity when political nemesis Tomas Osmeña won as mayor in the elections last May.

Sought for comment yesterday, Osmeña, who only assumed office last June 30, said he did not have any knowledge about the ongoing project.

Opposition Councilor Joel Garganera, on the other hand, believed the new creek would not solve flooding at the downtown area.

"Ang makasulbad sa lunop sa downtown area mao ra gyud ang pagbalik sa karaang gilapdon sa Parian Creek nga gitawag kaniadto og Estero Parian. Mahimo kini pinaagi sa pagpapahawa sa mga nagpuyo sa tampi sa sapa aron mapalapad kini pagbalik," Garganera said.  (FREEMAN)