Road widening near Mambaling underpass starts

CEBU, Philippines —  Half of the structures affected by the proposed improvement project on N. Bacalso Avenue in Mambaling, Cebu City have already been demolished while others will be done next week.

In a report by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shared by City Councilor Jerry Guardo, who sits as chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Infrastructure, a total of 23 of the 47 affected structures “have already been cleared, removed and demolished and or will no longer be affected by the project.”

Seven other structures are already scheduled for clearing and endorsed for demolition.

Five structures, on the other hand, were already served notices to vacate within 15 days.

A total of 12 structures as of November 16 have not yet been cleared, but owners either agreed to demolish, filed a motion to withdraw the initial deposit, and is in the process of clearing and vacating the building, while others are waiting for the writ of demolition to be granted and the appointment of a special sheriff to serve the writ of possession.

Councilor Guardo told the FREEMAN that DPWH is asking for the city’s assistance in the clearing operation of the other structures starting next week.

Some of the structures needed additional manpower and heavy equipment since they are solid building structures.

The area had been cleared for the purpose of road widening and some flood control projects along the underpass on N. Bacalso and the underpass itself.

The civil works for this project are expected to begin early next year since it is already almost the end of the year Guardo said.

At least one lane on each side around 600 meters long will be constructed accordingly to ease traffic early next year. Flooding problem in the area is also expected to be solved.

More to it, Guardo is happy to note that the trees around the area will no longer be affected by the project. — KQD (FREEMAN)