Work on road projects must continue– Davide

It would be better for contractors to speed up their work on ongoing road projects rather than stop now, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said.

“Lisod kaayo if maundang na. Madugay og samot. Daghan na pod ang masakripisyo, daghan ang moreklamo na pod (It’s hard if these are stopped because it will result in more. Much will be sacrificed and there will be a lot of complaints),” Davide told reporters.

At least nine simulatneous road rehabilitation projects are in progress in Mandaue City by contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This has led to  heavier   traffic congestion that extends to Cebu City, a condition noticed  since summer.

Several motorists and commuters who find the traffic snarls “unbearable,  have complained about the seemingly slow pace but Cebu Daily News  found out that several contracts state that road work is due for completion in January 2016 yet or later months next year.

Cebu city and Mandaue city officials hav yet to sit down and coordinate their separate proposed rerouting schemes.

Asked if he would talk to the contractors,  Governor Davide said there may be a need to summon them but pointed out that t the issue has already been raised to the DPWH.

“They know they have to double time on their work.  Paspasan gyud aron mahuman ning mga dalan,” said Davide in a press conference.

Davide earlier called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to order  contractors to work faster on road projects in Mandaue City ahead of the APEC summit, whose2first meeting is in Aug.  23.

Davide said he will continue to find ways to hasten the work.

Delayed

Three  DPWH road projects are  along the APEC route in Mandaue City.

These are the rehabilitation of the flyover in barangay Subangdaku and  road work in two sections of Plaridel Street.

The flyover is expected to be completed by mid-August.

Road work on Plaridel Street will be finished by February next year.

DPWH-7 Regional Director Ador Canlas ordered contractors to cease all road repairs, rehabilitation and constructions as early as two weeks before the start of the meetings on August 22.

Incompetence

He also asked contractors to work in three shifts, for 24 hours, if possible.

But he governor said it would  be more difficult for everybody if DPWH stops their road work for APEC altogether.

Davide said Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson is aware of the situation in Mandaue City.

“I am almost sure he has given the same instructions to the regional office, considering that this is for APEC,” he said.