Council questions DPWH bay project

CEBU, Philippines – The Talisay City Council yesterday questioned the loading and unloading bay project of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Barangay Tabunok.

The council found out that the bay project did not pass through the council, and that there was no consultation for it. The body also said the project encroaches on a lot owned by the city.

The City Council's concern grow even stronger when the president of market vendors, Sherwin Echavez, also expressed his sentiments against the project. Echavez said most vendors  feel like being “trapped” because of the ongoing bay project.

The project, it can be recalled, got into the limelight when City Administrator John Yre de los Reyes claimed it as a project of his father Mayor Johnny De los Reyes' administration.

It turned out that the loading and unloading bay came to materialize because of the efforts of Congressman Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas.

Echavez said there was no clear entrance and exit route for tricycles and other vehicles which could contribute to traffic congestion in the area, instead of helping to lessen the same.

Yesterday, no personalities from DPWH arrived despite being invited by the council led by Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante.

City Councilor Doroteo Emit said they will call all the sectors about their concern so that they could implement some corrections if there are any.

He said the project was implemented when Gullas lobbied for its funding from the national government.

On his part, Gullas said it is the work of DPWH to coordinate with the local officials and his job is to look for funding to implement his dreams in his area of responsibility.

Villarante urged City Councilor Socrates Fernandez, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, to sponsor a resolution urging the DPWH to explain the status of their project and to answer the questions of the buying public, vendors and the drivers.

The resolution was approved through mass motion.

They also urged the city legal office to conduct investigation why the DPWH constructed the project without the knowledge of the council, and for its alleged failure to consult the public, as well as on claims that the project encroaches a city lot.

The project costs P9 million. It was first expected to be finished on November 27 but until now it remains under construction. (FREEMAN)