Cutie welcomes road widening at flyover sites

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar has welcomed the plan to widen the intersections where her suspended flyover projects are to be constructed.

Del Mar said that widening the intersections of General Maxilom and M.J. Cuenco Avenues in Barangay Carreta as well as Gorordo and Archbishop Reyes Avenues in Barangay Camputhaw is in effect implementing the phase I of her flyover projects.

“While I strongly object to the suspension of the flyover projects, I welcomed the statement of DPWH Secretary Singson to proceed with the widening of the intersections on streets where the flyovers were supposed to be built,” Del Mar said.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson earlier ordered the suspension of the two flyover projects of Del Mar because of the opposition from Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and some sectors.

Singson, however, said they will widen the intersections to address the traffic problem.

Del Mar believes that the widening is part of the effort to prove that her flyover projects are not necessary.

“I guess they will most likely be doubling the road widening to try to prove that the flyover will no longer be necessary. I suspect, although I still hope not, that the Cebu DPWH planners will be breaking their commitment to me, which was publicly confirmed by them not to touch any part of the property of Asilo dela Medalla Milagrosa,” she added.

The nuns of the Asilo dela Medalla Milagrosa are strongly opposed to the construction of the flyover project in front of their property because of reports that its concrete wall or fence would be affected.

Rama also had personally written a letter to President Aquino asking his intervention to stop the implementation of the P600 million flyover projects ahead of the road widening project.

Rama’s stand was also supported by the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) Board. According to the board, the construction of flyover projects will not solve the traffic problem, but the widening of the roads will. - THE FREEMAN