TUNNEL PROJECT: Rama says objection not politically motivated

The Cebu City government dredges a part of the Mahiga creek.

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday brushed aside allegations that his objection to a proposed storm water underpass was politically motivated.

“It’s not (political). I don’t understand this project. Even the barangay captain asked, ‘where is that?’” he said.

The underpass was proposed to be constructed at the intersection of N. Bacalso Avenue and F. Llamas Street.

Rama had told the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu City Engineering District not to proceed with the project unless alternative roads are widened first.

He was referring to E. Sabellano St. and Tagunol St. to F. Jaca St.

The proposed Storm water Management and Road Tunnel, or SMART tunnel, is a pet project of south district Rep. Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa. It is patterned after the SMART tunnel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rama said he called for a meeting with the DPWH and the barangay captains of Mambaling, Punta Princesa and Basak San Nicolas in his office to preempt any problem.

Apparently, the mayor said there were asphalting and concreting projects involving E. Sabellano. But these were not implemented, he said.

Rama also pointed out that even the Cebu City Traffic Operations and Management (Citom) office was not aware of the project.

“They said the project is with the (DPWH) region. They didn’t consult us. Even Citom doesn’t know,” Rama said in Cebuano.

Rama questioned the necessity of a tunnel since the area is not flood-prone.

“Is there flooding in the area? No. Where is the flood? There in Tagunol and Kinasang-an. But there’s no flooding in Basak,” he said.

The project is estimated to cost P700 million. It is proposed to be a two-lane, 700-meter-long facility. /Correspondent Nestle L. Semilla