City to build stone wall in Guba to stop landslides

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will be spending P8.1 million to install a stone retaining wall in a private property that is by the roadside in Barangay Guba to prevent future landslides.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. had successfully convinced his fellow legislators that an amount of P8,131,643 be charged to the next supplemental budget to be spent for the slope protection in Sitio Guba Proper.

Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña had already approved the Program of Works and Estimates that was prepared by the personnel of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).

The city engineers explained that the stone retaining wall will be installed in 75 meter-length portion of the slope to protect the soil from sliding to the road, particularly during heavy rains.

Engineers Lilibeth Del Mar and Joel Reston confirmed that the place is landslide-prone.

The barangay council of Guba under barangay captain Renerio Limotan had recommended the implementation of the stone retaining wall.

The barangay officials have been tasked to secure the letter of consent from the lot owner that the city will undertake the project within his property.

Although the state audit procedures clearly provides that government funds shall not be used in private properties, the members of the City Council argued that its purpose is for the public’s benefit.

It was learned that the funds for the project has been included already in the city’s Annual Investment Plan for 2010.

Meanwhile, Councilor Nestor Archival also requested the DEPW personnel to make a program of works and estimates for the asphalting of the main roads from Purok 1 to Purok 2, and from Purok 4 to Purok 5 in Barangay Cambinocot.

Archival, whose term is only up to June 30, explained that there is an urgent need to make the necessary asphalting of said roads for an easy transport of goods and for the convenience of the riding public, particularly during raining season. — THE FREEMAN