Bridge works spell ache to some, safety to others

CEBU, Philippines - Public sentiment on the scheduled months-long rehabilitation of the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge is mixed, at least according to The FREEMAN's quick interview with a few commuters and motorists yesterday.

Ogie Gian Ycoy, 23, a nurse who works in a private hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, expressed disappointment, saying that the road repairs in Mandaue City, specifically on Plaridel Street, should have been finished first before the bridge's repair was green-lighted.

"Nindot unta nga before sugdan ang bridge og rehab, maayo na ang mga dalan or human na ang road repairs sa Mandaue.  At least, dili siya maka-obstruct and makasamot sa traffic going to downtown (Cebu City)," Ycoy said.

Though he works at Mactan Doctors' Hospital, Ycoy frequently goes to Cebu City as he is currently taking English classes in a private language firm.

Harris Escalante and Richmund Atilano, both 26, who are computer programmers in one of the companies inside Mactan Economic Zone 2, said they are amenable to the scheduled project, citing safety.

"Mas mo-prefer ko nga ma-traffic kaysa ma-risk nga kalit-kalit nalang mo-crack ang bridge. Dili ra man ko kaayo mogamit sa bridge pero worried sad ta sa effect ani sa traffic kay gagmay ra baya'g alternative na agianan diri sa amoa, unya dako pa gyud og volume sa traffic nga gikan sa airport," said Escalante, a resident of Sitio Cemento, Barangay Pusok.

Escalante said he and his family are affected by the heavy road congestions near their area, which is between the two bridges.

"Mapuno gyud ning dalan ug bumper-to-bumper. Unsaon nalang kaha sa mga kada-adlaw molabang sa bridge. Maguol sad ko para sa uban nako nga kauban," he said, adding long travel time may eventually hamper worker's productivity.

Atilano of Barangay Basak also defended the upcoming repair works, saying it's long overdue.

"Agwanta lang gud gamay. I rather not wait for it to collapse or something before we do anything about it," he said.

Others like Knowlie Gay Malingin, 22, have to make hard decisions.

Malingin, a resident of Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City, chose to stay in a boarding house in Cebu City so as not to get caught in the traffic jam. It's her way of making sure she doesn't go to school late.

"Mouli ko sa Lapu-Lapu, weekends ra. Lisod gyud kaayo ang kataas sa traffic. Labi na nga naa po'y road repair sa may Alang-Alang (Mandaue). Samot kalangay ang traffic," Malingin said. She is currently studying veterinary medicine at the Southwestern University.

She said she understands that the repairs are for the betterment of everyone, although she also noted it as a "headache."

"Maka-konsimisyon ang ka-traffic labi na nga ang mga tawo parehas gadali then puros ma-pride," Malingin said.

The repair works will start tomorrow, February 8, and will hopefully end by December 23. It was supposed to be implemented last year but due to different activities in Cebu, it got delayed.

The P129.6 million bridge repair project will be undertaken by JEGMA Construction.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City officials are concerned the rehabilitation of the first bridge may affect the city's local tourism industry.

But while its adverse impact on tourism is imminent, Hembler Mendoza, the city's tourism officer, said this is the perfect time to fix the old structure.

"In a way, it will affect tourism here in the city but it's for a short period only.  It's high time to repair it so as to prevent imminent danger because of exposure to elements, and the bridge has been there for so many years," Mendoza said.

He said it is best to look at the long-term positive effects of the repairs, as well as the safety of the general public who uses the bridge on a daily basis.

Mendoza said the Department of Public Works and Highways conducted a consultation with stakeholders earlier for the project.

"The local government, through the Office of the City Mayor, has made plans and consultations as well. Again, we are looking at the long-term effects not only of the bridge works but also all the other road works in the different parts of the metro," he said.

Mayor Paz Radaza has said the public should leave their houses early for work and school, take alternative roads or ride a ferry to their destinations, although DPWH clarified vehicles from Lapu-Lapu City may still use the other lane on the bridge, at least for now.

Even then, motorists going to Cebu City and other neighboring cities are advised to use the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Lapu-Lapu City will deploy 38 of its enforcers at the foot of the bridge going to M.L. Quezon Highway up to the airport junction under the second bridge.

Mario Napule, overall supervisor at the City Traffic Management Systems, said the diversion road from Sitio New Sangi Road, Barangay Pajo going to Sitio Matumbo, Barangay Pusok will be cleared of parked cars, taxis, motorcycles and tricycles in order to give way for other vehicles' passage. (FREEMAN)