Tomas wants to open up Camp Lapu, build flyovers

Mayor Tomas Osmeña says allowing public access through Camp Lapu-Lapu will help decongest traffic at the Banilad-Talamban area. (CDN File Photo)

Opening Camp Lapu-Lapu to the riding public and building 10 flyovers and underpasses are just some of the plans disclosed by Mayor Tomas Osmeña to decongest traffic in Cebu City.

But the mayor declined to elaborate on the details to avoid objections from environmentalists and other groups which may lead to the cancellation of his proposed projects.

Osmeña said he is still following up on his request to the Central Command to allow ordinary vehicles to drive through Camp Lapu-Lapu in order to reduce traffic in the Banilad-Talamban area.

If need be, Osmeña said he will lobby for the opening of Camp Lapu-Lapu to the Department of Defense in Camp Aguinaldo.

He said he will work on his plans to create minor reblockings if the camp will be opened to the public.

“Opening Camp Lapu-Lapu will reduce traffic. It will not solve traffic but definitely it will reduce traffic. I feel very awkward because I can enter and go out of it. They will allow me, but what about ordinary citizens who are still stuck in Banilad, when there’s an accessible route and you can go straight to Camp Lapu-Lapu?” Osmeña said.

Osmeña said he will make the announcement and provide more information once the plan is approved by the Central Command or Camp Crame.

“This is one area where I’m not going to be transparent because there are many people who would like to sabotage, many people who think they have the authority to provide inputs to this. Cancel this, cancel that. So many complaints, especially from Mega Cebu who think their way should be followed (by everyone),” he said.

Osmeña said bidding for his proposal to construct 10 additional flyovers and underpasses within the city will probably begin next year.

“And we are trying to work it out in a such a way and start with the intersections and reduce the problems of the right of way,” he said.

When asked if a flyover will be built at the intersection of Gorordo Avenue and Sudlon road, Osmeña said there won’t be since there is an ongoing road-widening project there.

“But you know, we have to find out first what’s acceptable to them even though it’s our priority. Because if what’s acceptable to them is this, and this and this. Well, then okay. That’s also acceptable to me,” he said.

Osmeña also told reporters that he plans to allow towing operations to resume in the city./with UP Cebu Intern Morexette Marie Erram