Another snag hits 3rd bridge project

NEXT to Barangay Pasil, two more villages in Cebu City expressed opposition to plans by the Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation (MPTDC), developer of the 3rd Mactan Bridge project, to build an access that passes through their respective jurisdictions.

In separate resolutions, Barangays Ermita and Pahina Central instead suggested that the Cebu-Cordova bridge, which will be constructed through a private-public-partnership, be placed in other areas that will not affect their existing residents.

“(We) request the Cebu City and Cordova Municipal Governments and Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation (MPTDC), (for) the transfer of the construction of the Cebu-Cordova Bridge to elsewhere, feasible at the South Road Property accessible for those coming from the southern part of Cebu Island or at Compaña Maritima,” read the Barangay Ermita resolution signed by its captain, Felicisimo Rupinta.

Pahina Central, in another resolution, cited that there were several issues and concerns raised by residents during a consultation done with MPTDC earlier this year.
“After thorough evaluation and painstaking consideration, the herein council vigorously vehemently opposes and objects the intention of Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation to pass its tollways within the territorial jurisdiction (of Pahina Central),” the barangay resolution signed by Barangay Captain Carlo Yap and some barangay councilors read.

Barangay consultations were earlier conducted by MPTDC where a plan to construct another access to the bridge near the mouth of the Guadalupe River, located between Barangays Ermita and Pasil, was presented.

The proponent also identified 147 lots, half of which were privately owned, that needed to be acquired for the Guadalupe River access.

Barangay Pasil had already expressed its opposition to the plan early on, as this will reportedly displace several families in that barangay.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Council passed a resolution requesting MPTDC to incorporate bike lanes on both sides of the bridge.

In a resolution, Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. invoked a local government provision stating that legislative bodies have the power to regulate bridges, streets and sidewalks. Copies of Gabuya’s resolution were given to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Cordova town Mayor Therese Sitoy-Cho as well as MPTDC for their consideration.

MPTDC hopes to begin construction of the Cebu-Cordova bridge in 2017 after securing all the needed permits for the project.