‘No more flyovers, widen roads instead’

WITH the worsening traffic conditions in the city, a flyover is not a feasible solution.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said road widening should be given priority over the construction of flyovers, which were considered eyesores to the city.

“Ang importante is daghan og nanginahanglan og road widening, so unahon gyud na ang road widening. That is what is immediate, it’s (road) widening,” Rama said.

Rama said he would convene the Banilad-Talamban Task Force to discuss plans to come up with a cheaper and effective solution to the traffic problems in the city.

The mayor also told Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways in a letter that a traffic master plan would be needed to study the traffic volume in the city before setting up major infrastructure within the city streets.

He said DPWH should coordinate with the city before implementing these projects.

Appropriations of P50 million for an additional flyover along M.J. Cuenco and General Maxilom Avenues have been allocated in the national budget with an additional P250 million for the road right of way.

Another P160 million has already been allocated to another flyover project at the junction of Gorordo Avenue and Archbishop Reyes Avenue.

But even if there is already a budget for that, the projects should suit on what the city needs.

“What we need is what is right. Depende man na sa ila motive na kinanglan gyud na nila ipadayon,” Rama said.

“If they really want to do something for the city, please consult. Kay dili man na pwede ang dominion. Governance is for the people,” Rama said referring to DPWH in implementing projects.  Reporter Marian Z. Codilla