Resort owners complain delay on road widening gives tourism backlash

CEBU, Philippines -  An official of the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office admitted that the delayed implementation of some government projects will affect the city government's program to promote the city's tourist destinations.

Hembler Mendoza, head of the City Tourism Office, said that since last year, the city government has lined up different activities to promote Lapu-Lapu City to potential visitors, especially foreign tourists.

The island of Olango, for instance, is given focus by the city government as it is being groomed for its marine sanctuary and other attractions.

But the delayed implementation by the Department of Public Works and Highways on the improvement of the Mactan Circumferential Roads badly affected the city government program, said Mendoza.

Mendoza admitted that some beach resorts and hotel owners in Lapu-Lapu City informed him that some scheduled visits have been cancelled because of the problem.

According to Mendoza, the traffic problem in Lapu-Lapu City, especially in the barangays of Mactan, Maribago and Marigondon  is the foremost among all concerns raised by beach resort owners.

Last week, City Mayor Paz Radaza called the attention of DPWH over the delayed implementation of the road concreting projects for the Mactan Circumferential Road.

Radaza met top officials of DPWH and representative of the contractor to discuss the problem.

The city mayor admitted that she received several complaint letters from beach resorts owners and managers in Lapu-Lapu City regarding the delayed implementation of the Mactan Circumferential Road projects. /JMD (FREEMAN)