EDITORIAL - Enough already

Those who are against flyovers are saying they are not against flyovers. So how do you read their lips? Maybe all they ever wanted to say but could not say it is that flyovers are all right for as long as they do not affect their interests.

Flyovers have been around for quite some time but the only person with credibility who comes to mind who tried to block the construction of the very first one was architect and media personality Melva Java.

Java's attempt to block the very first flyover was in keeping with her professional beliefs as an architect and urban planner. Her beliefs were never tainted with personal interests, thus making her crusade credible, but sadly short-lived.

Not having any personal interests at stake, Java eventually realized the futility of fighting the government. Her protest faded and government was left alone to have its merry time with flyovers. No similar individual or group surfaced since then to take her place.

That is until the government announced plans to build a flyover on Gorordo. Suddenly all hell broke loose. Suddenly all sorts of arguments were aired to stop construction of the planned "monstrosity."

Anyone hearing for the first time all the noise about “comprehensive traffic plans, wide public consultations, and protection of heritage sites” would think the whole city was on fire and not the tantrum that it really is over one more lousy flyover that just happens to be set for Gorordo.

But what is it about Gorordo that makes it so special than the other places where flyovers have long been built? Maybe the oppositors who do not want to own up being oppositors would know. But they are not likely to own that up as well.

Okay, flyovers don't solve traffic woes permanently. But nobody said they would. For lack of a cure, even a band-aid solution is useful. Sure, a comprehensive traffic plan would be great. But only if we can prove our readiness to comply with the little requirements first.

Public consultations? No problem, except that this is why we have a government already -- to take care of the "of, for and by" part on behalf of the people it represents. Oh yes heritage sites. Or is it just one heritage site that, conveniently, is on Gorordo?