Road contractor fails despite ultimatum to finish project

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the ultimatum given by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, the contractor failed yesterday to finish the repair of the road that links Barangay Guadalupe to Barangay Kalunasan.

The road is seen to decongest the traffic congestion in M. Velez and Escario Streets. The traffic problem at the area, especially on weekdays, has prompted Rama to personally direct the traffic and ordered the contractor to finish the Guadalupe-Kalunasan road repair not later than August 20.

Rama had tasked City Engineer Kenneth Carmelita Enriquez and the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to supervise the implementation of the P6.9 million road repair project.

The Freeman observed that the contractor, Goldfin Construction, is yet to pave half of the entire stretch of the road to be repaired. An employee of the contractor told The Freeman that they did not pave part of the road yet because the filling material is still unstable.

Rama said he will inspect the project tomorrow because he wants it to be completed as soon as possible.

“Kinahanglang humanon dayon na kay naa ra ba’y ubang tawo diha sa Guadalupe nga ako dayon ang basulon.(It has to be done as soon as possible because there are other people in Guadalupe who would immediately cast the blame on me), ” Rama said.

The road however is already passable for motorcycle but remains off limits to four-wheeled vehicles. Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña earlier criticized Rama for not acting on the road repair resulting in the traffic problem in the Capitol area.

The road from Guadalupe will link to Obedience Street in Barangay Kalunasan which will serve as an alternate route for Lahug. (FREEMAN)