From mouth of Guadalupe river: Ramp access eyed for CCLEX

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has disclosed his plan to pursue the construction of a ramp access from the mouth of the Guadalupe River toward the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

As reported by the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), Rama said the Guadalupe River access, which is part of the original plans for the CCLEX, should be delivered by the private proponent.

“Once that alignment will be in place, it brings wonder in the south. It beautifies the Guadalupe River,” said Rama.

To recall, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) offered the CCLEX as an unsolicited proposal to Cebu City and Cordova town during his previous term as mayor in the year 2013.

Rama said that the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) experts earlier suggested the Guadalupe River access ramp as part of the CCLEX, and MPTC agreed to such proposal.

The mayor added that he already discussed this Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) President Allan Alfon. CCLEC is a subsidiary of MPTC.

Among the purpose of the construction of the Guadalupe River access ramp is to recover the easement along the riverbanks.

Rama assured that there will be no displacement of settlers who will be affected by the proposed project.

“Definitely, there will be a temporary transfer. They will still be integrated within the area,” he said.

Rama hopes to get the support of the national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), for this development.

Mike-tom exchange

To recall, the agreement to build the CCLEX was entered by the administration of former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña, Cordova town officials, and private developer, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).

Osmeña and Rama traded barbs earlier on the issue of why the original plan to stretch the third bridge to N. Bacalso Avenue was not materialized. This was after photos showing what appeared to be the poor situation of those living in the bridge’s periphery made rounds online.

Osmeña, in some report, alleged that it was Rama who changed the plans for the bridge as he (Rama) wanted the CCLEX to end at V. Rama Avenue to name the bridge after his clan’s name.

“It was Mike Rama that changed the plans so Pasil would be demolished so the bridge would connect to V. Rama. I said it was clear to me that Rama’s real intent was to name the bridge V. Rama bridge,” Osmeña was quoted as saying in one report.

“I’m not going to demolish Pasil to glorify the Rama name. I told the investors that it’s okay to restore their original plan, which they did,” added Osmeña.

In response, Rama then said he could only do little now since he was only finishing late mayor Edgardo Labella’s term.

He said that if he wins the mayoral race, which is the case, the development of Pasil will be part of his priority.

Rama recalled that based on the CCLEX’s original plan, the bridge would have to be stretched out to Pahina San Nicolas and even to Guadalupe. – JMD (FREEMAN)