Mandaue readies broad traffic plan

CEBU, Philippines- Mandaue City will create a comprehensive traffic program in view of the opening of three big malls in the city as well as the opening of classes next month.

This was announced by Mayor Jonas Cortes during a meeting with city administrator James Abadia and city traffic officials.

Cortes said the city has to be prepared with the opening of J Mall in barangay Bakilid, and Colonade and Gaisano Mall in barangay Centro.

He said the opening of J Mall in barangay Bakilid could create heavy traffic at A.S. Fortuna Street and M. C. Briones Highway are in barangay Bakilid.

Traffic buildup is also expected in barangay Centro when Colonade and Gaisano Mall open.

School opening also worries the city especially that the Mandaue City Central School, Mandaue Comprehensive National School, and Mandaue City College are all located at barangay Centro.

"Dako gayud kaayo ang atong problema sa trapiko nga sagubangon mao nga kinahanglan gayud nga adunay maayong plano ang atong dakbayan ug ato kanang gitahas ngadto sa atong kadagkuan sa Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM)," Mayor Cortes said.

Cortes said the city has to worry about the volume of vehicles coming from Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova Cebu City, Consolacion town, and other northern towns.

The number of vehicles coming from Cebu City bound for Lapu-Lapu City, especially for Mactan Cebu International Airport and Mactan Export Processing Zone, gives the city a problem.