Consultation underway for BRT- affected barangays

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Bus Rapid Transit Project Implementation Unit will start next week the consultation among 21 barangays affected in the earthballing and cutting of trees.

Incoming CENRO head Nida Cabrera said the consultation, which will run in the next two months, is one of the requirements for the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate of the BRT project.

“Nag finalize nami kung unsay unahon nga mga barangay next week. Nag plot pa mi karon pero makasugod na gyod ta’s consultation next week,” she said.

She said there are 21 barangays affected in the cutting or earthballing of trees along the BRT route. These include Barangays Bulacao, Capitol Site, Lahug, Apas, Talamban.

The route will pass four intersections: Osmeña Boulevard/Colon Street, V. Rama Avenue/M. Velez Street, M.J. Cuenco Avenue/J. Luna Avenue; and Gorordo Avenue/Salinas Drive. Pocket lanes will be built in different locations in the city.

Cabrera said CENRO is also finalizing the inventory of the location where the earthballed trees will be replanted. Cabrera said at least 197 out of 2,182 trees affected need to be cut because of the “minimal chance of surviving.”

Some of the areas identified are Magellan’s Park, Senior Citizen’s Park, Plaza Sugbu, Plaza Independencia, and back area of Fort San Pedro.

City Councilor Joel Garganera said he is hoping that the current administration will also consider the children’s park in Barangay Sawang Calero.

Garganera, chairman of the council committee on environment, said the children’s park has been “neglected” by the current administration.

“Last week, naay meeting sa Police Station 6. Usa sa mga concerns gi- raise kay kining mga bata, naa na sa dalan mag duwa. Ang mga parents nangreklamo kay dili na safe sa mga anak nga magduwa sa dalan,” he said.

The park was established last year by the previous administration. The park used to be the Pasil Fish Market. Garganera said he would attend in the consultations and raise his concerns.

Garganera also suggested developing a five-hectare park at the South Road Properties before the whole area will be occupied by investors. Cabrera said the children’s park was among the areas identified where the earthballed trees will be transferred. (FREEMAN)