Group asks: Let trees live, redo sidewalk restoration

CEBU, Philippines - The Youth for a Livable Cebu has requested the Cebu City government to review the process of soil easement in the city’s sidewalks.

Francis Sollano, co-convenor of YLC, the youth arm of the Movement for a Livable Cebu, said the city’s sidewalk revitalization project does not incorporate soil easement for some 30 affected trees, which the city should redo.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Michael Rama, the YLC “highly compliments the mayor’s vision in “revolutionizing the city to be green,” further describing it as “fantastic initiative.”

“As we are now working towards augmenting your vision with a strategic plan for the Green Revolution, we would like to notify your office about the sidewalk revitalization being done at General Maxilom and Imus Avenue.  This is a very good development,” Sollano said.

However, the said road restoration “has not been well thought and its implementation is poorly acted on,” the group claims.

Since the roots of the trees lined up along the sidewalks are now fully covered with cement, only minimal water can enter the tree system, which is necessary for it to survive, said Sollano.

“Eventually, this will hasten the ageing of the trees and disrupts its normal lifecycle.  There are no less than 30 affected trees on this project alone,” he said.

“The eventual death of these trees is an idea that is inconsistent with your (Rama) vision of a green and sustainable Cebu,” Sollano added, as he asked the help of the city government and other agencies assigned on the restoration to review and redo the process.  (FREEMAN)