MCDCB proposes P4.6B worth of projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) has submitted a list of alternative projects for 2014 worth P4.6 billion other than the proposed projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Engr. Fortunato Sanchez Jr., chairman of the MCDCB subcommittee on infrastructure and utilities, presented the proposals to the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council during its quarterly meeting yesterday.

Sanchez said that some of the unimplemented projects of the Metro Cebu Land Use and Transport Study (MCLUTS) are adopted by MCDCB.

The MCDCB proposed the signalized and synchronized traffic system in all intersections, flared intersections and geometric improvements; and enforcement of three meters easement on both sides of creeks and then paving of easements.

One of the projects proposed by DPWH is to reduce traffic or reduce travel time between South Road Properties and the Mandaue District Hospital.

Sanchez said that if all intersections will be signalized and synchronized, traffic between the South Road Properties (SRP) tunnel and Mandaue District Hospital will improve greatly at a cost of only P60 million for 12 intersections and P10 million at the Cebu City side for 2 intersections.

He cited the synchronized series of traffic lights along P. del Rosario St. where clogging is rare as compared to other intersections in Metro Cebu without traffic lights and that has the same traffic load.

“If this system can be applied in Ouano Ave., there will be no traffic congestion along Ouano Blvd. and it will be much safer than it is now,” Sanchez said.

The MCDCB also proposed the widening of roads and sidewalks from Minglanilla to Carcar City.

It also identified particular roads in Mandaue City that need to be signalized and flared such as the UN Avenue fronting Pacific Mall, A.C. Cortes and Plaridel St. intersection, and H. Cortes St. up to H. Abellana St.

Also being proposed is the widening of the Pajo-Basak-Marigondon road, the second busiest road in Lapu-Lapu City with worst traffic.

The MCDCB also noted some “encouraging trend” of DPWH projects exhibited in 2014 infrastructure program.

There are more widening projects alone in 2014 than in the last five to 10 years that cost P2.15 billion.

There are sidewalk improvements, drainage and acquisition of road-right- of-way and road openings.

One of these is the construction of a bypass road in Carcar City. 

Its construction is lauded as a method to protect heritage structures and as an effective means to decongest traffic along the center of commerce in the City.

The bypass road traverses a 30-hectare property acquired by the government that will soon host a modern mixed used residential, government and commercial complex.

Its green architecture and livability features will serve as a model for other LGUs to duplicate.

The IDC is set to endorse the identified projects of MCDCB to the RDC full council meeting this month. (FREEMAN)