Capitol center set to break ground

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has confirmed that the controversial 20-story Capitol resource center, which would cost the provincial government nearly P1.3 billion, will finally break ground next week.

The center, which is a brainchild of Davide, is touted as the “flagship” project of his administration.

The project was met with criticisms among heritage advocates and interruptions during the proposal stage. It is even a subject of a lawsuit questioning the conduct of the bidding process and the eligibility of the contractor. But there is no stopping the project proponents.

Jone Siegfred Sepe, provincial general services officer, said the ceremonial groundbreaking will be done on Monday, Feb. 18. He said the contractor already posted P38 million performance bond Friday.

Sepe said the authentication of the contract signed by Davide and the WT Construction executives will follow before the province will serve the “Notice to Proceed” within this week.

He said all the documents will be endorsed to the engineering office to supervise the construction phase, which includes the demolition of the abandoned building at the site and the excavation works.

He said the engineering department is expected to hold a pre-construction conference to discuss the timeline and the specific works during the construction. Sepe said the construction period is set within 790 days or more than two years.

The blueprint of the building, including the number of stories, remains the same.

The structure, which will rise on a rectangular lot, will stand symmetrical facing towards the right wing of the Capitol building.  Project managers are expected to convene to tackle the possible problems that may arise during the construction period, including traffic due to entry of heavy equipment.

Atty. Mark Tolentino, provincial administrator and Bids and Awards Committee chair, said the provincial government plans to meet with the traffic czars to ensure that entry of heavy equipment will minimize congestion.

He said concerns such as traffic problems and lesser parking space were already anticipated and have been taken into account.

“There are discussions done by the engineering office with the contractor and project managers. These are things that we all have to be addressed. We will be holding regular meetings to monitor (the development of the project). (We have) to lay down the perimeters already,” he said.

“This (project) has been a long overdue. We really need this building. It’s about time that we get started,” Tolentino added. The proposed building was conceptualized way back in 2014. (FREEMAN)