Talamban road widening pushed

CEBU, Philippines — A need for more road widening projects to address traffic congestion along the Talamban corridor is being pushed by Councilor Pastor Alcover, Jr. but the City Council wants the proposal to be discussed in an executive session with the concerned government agencies.

An executive session has been set on February 5, 2025 where officials from the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), and the Barangay Captains of Talamban, San Jose, Bacayan, Pit-os, among others will be invited.

Alcover raised a concern, during a privilege speech yesterday, on the traffic congestion experienced by motorists along the Talamban--Pito-os area. Alcover, a resident of the mountain Barangay Agsuot, said he has to hurdle the traffic congestion in the area almost everyday when he travels between his house and City Hall.

He acknowledged that traffic congestion has long been a challenge in highly urbanized areas like Cebu City due to the volume of vehicles. However, the councilor believes that the problem may be addressed by having more road expansion projects.

Yet road expansion is too slow while motor vehicle growth is exponential, Alcover explained.

While traffic congestion could be a result of urban development and a sign of a thriving local economy that empowers people to make purchases, Alcover said the presence of more vehicles also signals an uncoordinated  urban development approach, highlighting the need for a more serious intervention by the city to address the traffic issue.

Specifically, Alcover pointed out that the current traffic congestion in Talamban requires a more coordinated approach between the public and private sectors.

Ang ako lang concern, Mr. Chair, unsa namay mitigating measures nga mapatuman nato dirang dapita aron ma-minusan ang traffic congestion niini? Aduna ba tay traffic management measure nga ipatuman sa Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) alang sa Talamban to Pit-os Road?  he asked.

He also wants answers on the implementation of an educational campaign for vehicle owners to discourage parking in public areas, which narrows the roads. According to Alcover, the area lacks proper traffic management, a concern that needs addressing, especially given the reportedly large garbage trucks traveling along the same road.

In line with this, Alcover emphasized that it is high time to implement the road widening project from Talamban to Pit-os. He recalled that he had observed a road widening project in the area, where some portions had already been cleared for civil works.

Pero ang pangutana, naunsa naman ni?  Aduna bay kasamtangan nga road widening project karon nga naundang man ni? Unsay hinungdan niini?  said Alcover.

Currently, Alcover said he does not see any ongoing road expansion work. He added that such projects must be implemented to alleviate the city s traffic situation.

During the discussion, Councilor James Anthony Cuenco, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, agreed that traffic solutions must take a multi-pronged  approach. He added that, aside from road expansion, the city must also begin to open up road networks.

He also suggested urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to develop a Master Road Network Plan to establish more coordinated projects throughout the city and its neighboring towns.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, also mentioned that there is a road widening proposal in the area, which includes the acquisition of properties affected by the recovery of a 20-meter-wide road.

However, he admitted that they are currently facing challenges with land acquisitions, despite having at least P91 million in funding. According to him, of the 109 affected lot owners, 18 have accepted the payment offer. Of those 18, only 12 have been paid.

At least 75% of the affected landowners also have tax declaration problems that cannot be settled according to the rules of the Commission on Audit (COA), as their ownership is still unclear.

Councilor Joy Young suggested bringing the matter before the court to settle the issue. — /FPL (FREEMAN)