Tomas to build flyover at SRP

CEBU, Philippines - While the debate rages on the construction of two vehicle overpasses in the North District, Rep. Tomas Osmeña announced plans yesterday to build one at the South Road Properties (SRP) next year.

Osmeña also criticized Mayor Michael Rama for not doing anything concrete to solve the city’s traffic problems.

Osmeña, who represents the South District, said that he plans to build a vehicle overpass at the intersection leading to the Mambaling exit.

Osmeña said that he does not need to use his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for this project as it is easy to find other sources.

He said that the project might not cost too much as it will only be for vehicles coming from the access road to Mambaling that would be heading to the city proper.

This intersection has been considered accident prone as vehicles coming from the causeway and heading south often pick up speed.

Mayor Michael Rama, an erstwhile ally of Osmeña, said that the congressman has to submit this proposal to a thorough study first.

Osmeña even joked to reporters during the press conference at his residence yesterday that they should not tell Rama about his plan.

“Please don’t tell Mike Rama of my plan,” Osmeña jokingly said.

He said that vehicle overpasses are not the total solution to the traffic problem, but “it’s better than nothing.”

He supports the vehicle overpass projects of Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar.

He explained that the P600 million allocated for the projects in M.J. Cuenco corner General Maxilom Avenue and at the intersection of Gorordo and Archbishop Reyes Avenue already includes funds for road widening.

 Rama opposes the two projects as he wants the roads to be widened first before the vehicle overpasses would be constructed.

Mayor Rama said that he is not surprised about the plan of Osmeña to build a vehicle overpass at the SRP.

“Dili nako mahibulong niana. Ilaha man gyud nang gusto,” Rama told reporters.

More criticism

Osmeña criticized Rama for not pursuing the construction of the road that will connect Barangay Guadalupe to Barangay Kalunasan.

This project provides an alternative route for drivers that are heading to Barangay Lahug thus decongesting traffic at Escario and M. Velez Sts. and Gen. Maxilom Ave.

Reporters, who visited the unfinished road project yesterday, saw that only motorcycles can pass the road.

Rama explained, “Ato na nga gitagad uy pero duna pay problema diha nga road right of way. Kon dili na mapalapdan kuyaw nga ang mga sakyanan moambak ngadto sa sapa.”

Osmeña said that Rama is not really serious about improving the traffic situation.

“In his 18 years as city councilor and vice mayor, Mike Rama not even once asked for projects about widening of roads. He spent more time promoting the Pasko sa V. Rama than the widening of roads, kay Rama man ang iyang apelyido, but now when you listen to him, grabe!”

“Pasko sa V. Rama” is a contest of Christmas lanterns and decorations along the road, which is named in honor of Don Vicente Rama, the author of the Cebu City Charter and grandfather of the mayor. — with Garry B. Lao/NLQ (FREEMAN)