| Photo from the FB page of Junard “Ahong” Chan
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu -The rehabilitation of the kiosk that is located at the Sta. Rosa Wharf in Olango Island is a priority that Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan is eyeing to implement the soonest possible time.
Chan said that he already saw the need to have the kiosk repaired even before a netizen pointed out in a social media post its very sorry state.
“Naabot sa atong atensyon karong lang adlawa ang post sa usa ka concerned Olangohanon mahitungod sa guba nga kiosk o waiting shed sa Sta. Rosa Port. Makita sa hulagway nga anaa na gyud kini sa bati nga kondisyon ug dugaydugay na nga wala maatiman nga peligro kaayo sa mga katawhan nga magpasilong niini,” Chan said.
(The post of a concerned Olangohanon on the delapidated kiosk or waiting shed at the Sta. Rosa port was brought to my attention today (March 17, 2021). We can see on the photos the current condition of the kiosk that has not been repaired for a long time, making it unsafe for people who may decide to take shelter in the area.)
Chan said that before saw the online post, he was already in talks with General Manager Leonilo Miole of the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) to discuss the need for its repair since the matter is within their jurisdiction.
In a reply-letter dated February 22, Miole had told Chan that kiosk repair is part of the repair and rehabilitation of the Sta. Rosa passenger terminal that was scheduled in 2020. However, the pandemic caused delays in its implementation.
“Our procurement process resumed only in the last quarter of 2020. As you can imagine, the Authority has sustained so much backlog in the repairs and maintenance of our subports,” Miole’s letter reads.
Miole said that the terminal and kiosk rehab project is now on the “pipeline” with its procurement process still ongoing. Project implementation may commence during the second quarter of 2021.
“If it is not a problem for you to wait for this schedule, we are willing to implement these much-needed improvements at this port.”
He would also not object should the Lapu-Lapu City government decide to undertake the kiosk repair on its own, “considering that the safety and convenience of the people of Olango Island and its neighboring barangays are of utmost importance.”
Chan said he is determined to address the need to already have the kiosk repaired just like the attention that he gave on the island’s electrification needs.
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Chan said he is well aware of the need to prepare the island for visiting tourists since tourism is very important to their city.
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/bmjo