Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Ban-Tal traffic worries City, schools
WITH only one lane open to traffic at the flyover construction site, Cebu City officials and school owners in the Banilad corridor expressed worry over the possible traffic nightmare in the area once classes start.
Officials are anticipating heavier traffic in the Banilad area when schools open next month.
Although the City Government was assured that two lanes will be open to traffic during the construction period, south-bound and north-bound vehicles use only one lane at present, causing heavy traffic there.
City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said he received reports that parents and school officials are worried that traffic may worsen when the school year opens, pointing out that classes in all schools start and end at around the same time.
He said congestion can be avoided only if the entire stretch of the construction site along Gov. Cuenco Ave. is widened so it can accommodate two lanes.
However, there have been problems with the land acquisition, as the owners have yet to be paid for their lots.
This surprised Jakosalem because during the City Council session last week, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the contractor said there is no problem with the land acquisition and that lot owners already agreed to the road widening.
He said, though, that the problem could be the delay in the processing of the funds for the lot purchase.
“What I would request the lot owners is for them to allow DPWH to make the side roads available if there are already documents showing that they will be paid,” said Jakosalem.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Jakosalem said he received reports that the Department of Budget and Management has not yet received a notice to release the funds intended for the payment.
If the landowners will not agree to sell their land, there are no alternative roads for the motorists, the councilor said.
Jakosalem also shrugged off public perception that the construction of the flyover has slowed. He explained that the public will not be able to see the construction because the site has been fenced off.
Also, the major components of the flyover, including the posts, are prefabricated and will not be constructed at the site, he added. (EPB)
