Davide: Hold consultation on depression road project

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III urged the concerned government agencies to conduct a public consultation first if it is true that none was conducted prior to the passage of the P711-million depression road project along UN Avenue.

He said that it is alright to temporarily defer the project to have enough time to comply with the necessary procedures before starting the project construction. Through this way, transparency and proper execution of the project are ensured especially that it deals with a big chunk of public funds.

“Well if it’s true nga kulang og public consultation, kinahanglan nga moagi g’yud na og public consultation kay we also have to hear not just the opinion of the DPWH but also of the stakeholders,” he said.

The governor said that he cannot recall if a public consultation for the said project was conducted. If ever a consultation was done, he said he has no knowledge of it probably because he missed a couple of meetings with the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Moreover, the governor concurs with incumbent RDC chairman Kenneth Cobonpue that a traffic management plan has to be prepared as well prior to the start of the project implementation.

To alleviate traffic congestion on United Nations Avenue, the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 is planning to construct a 600-meter depression road near the Marcelo Fernan Bridge this year. However, Cobonpue wanted the project deferred due to the lack of public consultation and lack of a traffic management plan.

UN Avenue is the road connecting the Marcelo Fernan Bridge to Mandaue City. (FREEMAN)