Plaza Independencia rehab to be delayed

CEBU, Philippines - The restoration of the famous Plaza Independencia in Cebu City – where an underground tunnel is being constructed to link the South Coastal Road to McArthur Boulevard-- will be delayed due to lack of funds.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama recalled that during their meeting with the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2004, it was agreed that the agency will allocate enough budget for the restoration of the plaza.

The construction of a tunnel that traverses beneath the century-old plaza is intended not to destroy the historic value of Plaza Independencia, one of the tourist attractions of Cebu City.

Rama told the reporters yesterday that he was told the DPWH only has P6 million for the restoration of the plaza, which is no longer enough to undertake the project.

It was earlier announced that the underground tunnel would be completed by last December, but it was moved to March this year. But again its completion will be delayed due to lack of budget.

The city council, in its regular session this afternoon, was scheduled to tackle a proposed allocation of P40 million out of the Annual Investment Fund to help finance the restoration of the public plaza, but it was reported that Mayor Tomas Osmeña advised to cancel the move.

Rama said he will inform President Gloria Arroyo about the problem in hopes that she will allocate funds for it. During her visit to Cebu City last February 24, Arroyo said Cebu City improved so much, particularly because of the South Road Properties.

The construction of the P1.3-billion subway section of the Cebu South Coastal Road Project is already in its final phase and the restoration and beautification of the park is the next project to be undertaken.

Rama yesterday brought reporters to the Plaza Independencia and Fort San Pedro and briefed them about the city’s plan on how to beautify the public plaza.

The construction of the twin box tunnel is expected to solve the traffic congestion within the vicinity of Plaza Independencia for vehicles heading to and from the South Coastal Road. – Rene U. Borromeo/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)