DPWH asked: Enforce flyover suspension

ANTI-FLYOVER groups called on the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7) to require the proponents of Cebu City’s flyover projects to meet  requirements set by their national office last year.

“It seems that DPWH-7 continues to be convinced that the valid objections of  stakeholders who have openly objected to the proposed flyovers do not matter,” said Joel Lee, a convenor of the Movement for a Liveable Cebu (MLC).

Lee said this in response to a statement from DPWH-7 Asst. Regional Director  Judy Cordon that the flyovers will be “definitely” built within the year.

The movement, which opposed the construction of the P800 million flyover projects along the junctures of MJ Cuenco Avenue and Gorordo Avenue, reminded the DPWH-7 of the pending suspension order on all flyover construction in Cebu.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson issued a suspension order on the two flyovers that were lobbied by Rep. Rachel Cute del Mar of Cebu City’s north district and other flyovers for Cebu.

The suspension order, issued before the MLC met with Singson last November, stated that it will only be lifted after  certain conditions, which happen to be  sought by the stakeholders who opposed the project, are  met.

These include the completion of a transport masterplan, extensive public consultations and viable long-term traffic solutions for Cebu City.

“The parameters set to lift the suspension of its (flyover) construction were not met,” Lee said.

The MLC also called for the review of  findings of the Technical Working Group of the Regional Development Council-Infrastructure and Development Committee.

The TWG said flyovers were  not recommended  by previous transport studies and that the solution pushed by Del Mar and the DPWH showed  a limited problem analysis and basis.

The TWG also cited the absence of road hierarchy recognized by DPWH.

It said the transportation projects are not determined in conjunction with land use studies and lacks coordination with other government agencies. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya