EDITORIAL - Ahead of schedule

The ongoing construction of an underpass in Mambaling, Cebu City is now reportedly 70 percent complete. This means the project is way ahead of its completion schedule, according to its implementing agency.

Department of Public Works and Highways-7 project engineer Roy Dela Cruz expects the P700-million project along the busy Natalio Bacalso Avenue to be finished by December, three months ahead of its completion date, which is March next year.

The DPWH-7 took into consideration the serious traffic problem the construction causes in the Mambaling area, the reason why it wasted no time hurrying the project in collaboration with the contractor, WT Construction.

Earlier, there were speculations that the construction will last for three years. And many criticized the DPWH for not doing its best to speed up the project and for not devising concrete plans with the city’s traffic agency to ease the congestion problem in the area.

But it’s a good thing the DPWH-7 has assured the project’s early completion, which is good news to motorists and commuters. Since last year, they have had to overcome the ordeal of going through the daily traffic hassle caused by the construction.

It remains to be seen whether or not the underpass, once operational, will help solve the worsening traffic problem in Mambaling area. Those who oppose it claim the project is just a waste of money as it will only bring little impact to the effort to solve the problem.

But let’s just wait and see. First and foremost, the underpass is being built for a purpose. And that purpose is in line with the government’s move to look for measures that would help alleviate the traffic problem in the area.

The underpass is the only means that authorities consider as doable as far as the immediate solution to the problem is concerned. Many prefer road widening, but the cost it entails will be gargantuan, not to mention the legal action that affected individuals may take.