Archival doubts completion of CBRT Phase 1 by June 30

CEBU, Philippines — Following his inspection of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) stretch, incoming Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said he noted minimal progress and expressed uncertainty about the completion of Phase 1, which was committed to being finished by the end of this month.

“I don’t know if they can fulfill but tan-aw nako nga wa gyud nila ni himoa ang sidewalk sa center island, kaya nila, but I think sa sidewalk, it can’t be done nga ilang humanonon,” said Archival.

It can be recalled that last June 5, Archival, along with some members of his transition team, walked through the BRT route to come up with recommendations and assessments as the top official set to lead the new administration.

During this inspection, Archival outlined several observations based on his conversation with the CBRT management, led by Engineer Norvin Imbong. He learned that there is a commitment to finish the Package 1 of the project by June 30, 2025.

Archival explained that Package 1 includes the construction of stations along the route and the building of sidewalks. However, he said that upon inspection, the sidewalks were not yet ready for integration into the overall CBRT design.

He later added that although some progress was observed, completion by the end of the month may not be possible, particularly for the sidewalks. He stressed that only the stations at the center island might be completed within the same period.

He added that he is also set to raise the matter with CBRT management. However, he said he wants to expedite the construction in order to conduct a test run.

During the same inspection, Archival said he observed that there were very few workers doing civil works around the sidewalk area of the project.

“Pag adto gani namo walay tawo'ng nagtrabaho,” he earlier said. "Tan-aw ko if di na nila butangan og daghang tawo, di gyud na mahuman."

He emphasized that with the current number of workers deployed for civil works, the project will take longer to complete.

Archival said that while civil works are the contractor’s responsibility, he has already requested CBRT management to take a more active supervisory role and to prioritize the project to speed up its completion.

He also did not discount the possibility that the project has not been properly supervised in recent months, which may have contributed to the slow progress. Archival said the target completion date is fast approaching.

Archival, who is set to assume office on July 1, said he wants to see the CBRT operational during the first week of that month, even if only on a trial basis with buses.

“Kay aron ma-assess nato ang situation kung di ba masangko ang bus didto sa station,” said Archival.

Initially, Archival said he is considering tapping yellow buses from Ceres to ply the streets.

In addition, Archival expressed hope that Package 1 will already be operational with buses running in dedicated lanes. To this end, he said he will convene the Technical Working Committee (TWC) for an initial meeting to prepare them for action once he assumes office.

Archival admitted that he was not fully aware of the TWC’s responsibilities or the progress it has made. He added he wanted to implement a more proactive approach in handling the CBRT.

Archival also said he was informed that the CBRT management is still following the route included in the original concept. However, he noted that Package 1 now has an extended route, which includes Ayala to SM City and vice versa.

According to him, this extended route was not intentional. He said the original route for Package 1 was meant to transport people from Bulacao to Talamban and vice versa.

While he acknowledged that completing the project within the projected timeframe may not be feasible, Archival said he planned to request the contractor to fast-track the civil works.

He also noted that the contractor’s pace may determine whether the same firm, Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Co. Ltd., will be retained for the implementation of Phase 2. — JG (FREEMAN)