Road work troubles seen to linger until November

CEBU, Philippines – The contractor undertaking a road construction and renovation work within the Basak-Marigondon stretch in Lapu-Lapu City has extended the project's completion to November.

This was disclosed by Engineer Allan Pedrigal of Lapu-Lapu City Engineering Office to The FREEMAN.

While the public may have to bear for more traffic woes, Pedrigal said the road work is still unfinished due to the unpredictable weather condition.

"Nagkaistorya mi sa DPWH ug niingon sila nga ang contractor mo-extend sila og November (We have talked with the Department of Public Works and Highways, and they said the contractor would like to extend until November)," Pedrigal said.

The contractor responsible for the city's project on that road is the Cebu-based Venray Construction.

Based on the State of the City Address of Mayor Paz Radaza last August 27, the said contractor would be able to complete the project by the month of September or early October this year.

Pedrigal said these two months were the deadlines primarily agreed between the contractor and the DPWH after the concreting job kicked off early this year.

However, some parts of the street going to Basak and Marigondon remain occupied with construction backhoes until now while portions of the road are still dug up and with muddy puddles.

According to Pedrigal, the city has experienced heavy downpour since the first day of October but he said the DPWH has assured they will get back to work as soon as the weather cooperates.

Pedrigal said their office is continuously doing follow-ups in order for the road work to get done within the target month of November.

Earlier, residents, motorists and workers have expressed to The FREEMAN their dismay over the heavy traffic caused by the ongoing road project in the area.

Some tricycle drivers and public utility jeepneys are also having a hard time reaching their passengers' destinations.

A school, Mactan Export Processing Zone 2 and a community hospital are three of the main establishments located along the stretch.

Meanwhile, City Traffic Management Systems Chief Frank Brazil expressed concerns over the public hailing jeepney rides near Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge, as well PUJ drivers who pick commuters within that area.

"Actually, wala'y personnel nga naka-assign dinha," Brazil admitted while adding that CTMS traffic personnel have chanced upon jeepney drivers loading passengers near the bridge.

Picking up passengers near the right turn slot from Mandaue to Lapu-Lapu City is not allowed. The minimum penalty for jeepney drivers in the city committing such violation is only P100.

The cheap fine, he said, is the reason why some of the caught drivers violate the same rule over again.

Separately, the "No Stopping Anytime" signage on the ground near the bridge seems to be fading away, calling for another repainting work.

It was the DPWH that offered to the CTMS and the city government to get the signages near the second bridge remade.

"Nag-submit mi og signages mga tulo na ka buwan didto sa DPWH," Brazil said. As of now, he confirmed that they have yet received any notice from the DPWH regarding the installation of these signages.

With only 105 traffic personnel in the city, Brazil said the traffic management still needs additional manpower.

The CTMS chief also said they will request for additional personnel from the city mayor in order for them to better manage traffic in the city.

Brazil concluded that with the help tourist police, street woes experienced in Lapu-Lapu City will partially ease.