Lapu ports need repairs, clearance

The Navy still needs to secure clearance from headquarters for use of the NavForcen port area. (CDN PHOTO/FERDINAND EDRALIN)

Only two of the four wharves in Lapu-Lapu City can be used as docking areas for seacrafts that will transport commuters from Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu once major repairs on the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge resume this Saturday.

An inspection led by Cebu Port Authority (CPA) general manager Vice Admiral Edmund Tan and joined by representatives of shipping firms showed that Kasamahan Wharf and Naval Base can be used as docking areas.

This came as Mandaue City Hall is scheduled to clear 54 houses under the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge today to pave the way for the repairs.

The Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO) admitted that they haven’t found any relocation site for the affected families.

In yesterday’s inspection, Tan said the old Shell Oil depot wharf and the Mactan Shipyard Corp. wharf were not suitable for docking.

But Tan said obstructions should be removed from Kasamahan Wharf in Barangay Poblacion before it can be used.

He also voiced concern on the narrow road leading to the wharf.

But Lapu-Lapu City Engineer Allan Pedrigal said the city government is committed to remove the structures and the wirings in the area to make it suitable for docking starting today.

City Traffic Management System chief Frank Brazil said they may close the road BM Dimataga to decongest traffic heading to the wharf.

“We will prohibit 40-footer vans from entering the wharf. Only light vehicles are allowed,” he said.

As for the Naval Base, Brig. Gen. Edwin Mackay, Naval Force Center commander, said they need to secure permission from the Navy before allowing the use of their wharf.

“It’s okay. In terms of security, our headquarters are far from the docking area so it’s not crucial,” Mackay said.

Paolo Rodriguez of Asia Marine Transport Corp. said the Naval Base is perfect for docking of their vessels.

“Since our port is in Pier 8, so this is in front of the Navy. It’s very convenient to the public; they don’t go all the way to Mandaue area,” Rodriguez said.

Cebu’s business sector was largely supportive of plans to adjust the bridge repairs in order to accommodate the commuters, motorists and export and manufacturing firms.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earlier said the two lanes of the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. At 9 p.m., only one lane will be opened for Mandaue-bound vehicles.

Vehicles heading to Mactan will have to find alternative routes or pass through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge instead.

Bridge repairs will last from April 2 to August 29.

Porferio Montesclaros, secretary of the Mactan Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers, said exporters and importers will have their deliveries at night to avoid the traffic.

“It is not a problem because we can still use the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. There is not a lot of traffic at night,” he told Cebu Daily News.

Gordon Alan Joseph, president of the Cebu Business Club (CBC), said the work schedules of businesses remain unchanged so far.

For her part, Melanie Ng, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said the DPWH should update the public on the use of more ferries in the Mactan channel for commuters.