Radaza: Finish roads first; bicycle lanes to follow

CEBU, Philippines -  The road widening of Mactan Circumferential Road in Lapu-Lapu City should be completed first before any discussion on putting up a bicycle lane could be started, Mayor Paz Radaza said.

During her regular press conference, Mayor Radaza said the delay of the widening of Mactan Circumferential Road implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways has brought several challenges to some sectors, particularly on tourism.

The city mayor said they can discuss the proposed putting up of bicycle lane once the roads in Lapu-Lapu City are fully widened.

Radaza's statement came after Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Sano suggested that a bicycle lane should be put up in the city. Sano attended a recent climate change forum held in Lapu-Lapu.

Sano stressed that because of the location of Lapu-Lapu City, putting up a bicycle lane should one of the measures implemented by city officials.

Radaza, on the other hand, said the city government closely monitors the implementation of  the road project and made representation to the DPWH and the contractors to fast-track its completion.

The city mayor said the road widening project in front of  Mactan Export Zone in Barangay Ibo encountered problems because of issues on road right of way.

The Mactan-Maribago section of the road widening also encountered a delay due to bad weather as claimed by a contractor, said Mayor Radaza.

Several complaints have been raised by resorts and hotel owners in Lapu-Lapu City because of the delayed implementation of road widening projects especially in Barangay Mactan up to Barangay Maribago.  (FREEMAN)