Capitol's road plan alarms town traders

CEBU, Philippines - Some businessmen in Consolacion town who are engaged in the trucking business fear that the Cebu provincial government's move to limit to 10 tons the carrying capacity of trucks that pass through provincial roads could affect the economic development of the town.

The businessmen aired this concern during a meeting with officials of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Consolacion.           Also at the meeting were town officials.

CCCI officials presented to the businessmen and town officials the pending proposed ordinance of the Cebu provincial board regulating the use of provincial boards.

Bonifacio Sia of the CCCI said the chamber has made representations with the members of the provincial board urging the legislators to postpone the discussion on the proposal for at least three months to give them time to discuss the issue with the sectors to be affected.

The results of this consultation and the manifesto of the CCCI will be submitted to the provincial noard.

Businessmen engaged in the sand and gravel business said the regulation will affect them and consumers, referring to the cost per truck. They said if sand and gravel today cost P750 to P1,000 per truck, it could increase to P1,500 to P1,700 when proposed ordinance takes effect.

The increase in price would also be attributed to additional fuel cost and manpower.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado said she supports the concerns of the businessmen in the town.

The businessmen also agreed to sign a manifesto they would submitted to the provincial board. (FREEMAN)