Flyovers will still be on top of the agenda of Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City if he gets elected mayor in May.
In a press conference yesterday, Osmeña said he will see to it that the two flyover projects in Gorordo Avenue and near Sudlon, Lahug will be built to ease traffic congestion in the area.
Osmeña said traffic is already congested in Gorordo Avenue because of the presence of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies there.
If most city residents are opposed to the flyovers, he said he won’t force it on them.
But if it’s only businessmen who are opposed to the flyovers, Osmeña said he will proceed with the projects.
His rival Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Citom and civil society groups like the Movement for Liveable Cebu are opposed to the flyovers.
Local officials of Lahug headed by Osmeña critic and barangay councilor Mary Ann delos Santos said they need drainage and not flyovers.
Osmeña argued that in the US, flyovers were built so nobody needs to cross a street.
Osmeña earlier said a P400 million outlay from the national government which he realigned in favor of the 1st district of Rep. Eduardo Gullas was originally for two flyover projects near Sudlon, Lahug and near JY Square in the same barangay.
This was later withdrawn by Osmeña following opposition from Mayor Rama, who wanted to use the funds to widen the roads instead.
Osmeña said BPO companies should invest in the South Road Properties (SRP) to decongest Lahug. Osmeña said most call center agents live in the South so building offices near their homes would be convenient for them.
He said there are alternative roads in the south district that should be developed.
“If you want to go to I.T. Park just go (pass) to Monterazzas in Guadalupe City,” Osmeña said. Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao