Ouano Road extension to proceed; P126K given to families

Eight families whose properties were expropriated by the Mandaue City government received P126,000 to help pave the way for the construction of the Gerardo Ouano Extension in barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City.

Barangay chairman Carmelino del Mar said the amount that he paid out of his own pocket will help the families pay for their capital gains tax and enable them to receive the remaining 15 percent of their compensation from the Mandaue City government.

The eight families led by Lauro Pintor questioned the presence of personnel of the contractor Arn Builders who were supposed to start construction of the 250 meter G. Ouano Extension located in front of the Ibabao barangay hall last Tuesday.

Pintor said the Mandaue City government paid them only 85 percent of the P8 million they agreed on after their houses were demolished in January 2013.

The P1 million pledged to each family covers the their house and lot.

“During sunny days, the area is very dusty and during the rainy season it’s muddy that’s why I gave them the amount so the project can push through,” del Mar said.

In a meeting held at the barangay hall last Thursday, Del Mar said he signed an agreement with the families in which they promised to refund the amount once their checks are released by the City Treasurer’s Office within this month.

The Gerardo Ouano Extension was one of the road projects promised during the administration of former Mandaue City mayor and now Cebu Provincial Board (PB) Member Thadeo Ouano.

The two-way four-lane road with an island connects JP Rizal Highway to SB Cabahug street in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City.