Heavy traffic plagues Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines — The traffic dilemma in Consolacion town is feared to worsen and to affect the neighboring Mandaue City and Liloan town.

This prompted an inter-agency meeting Tuesday to explore solutions to heavy traffic congestion in the northern corridor.

Jonathan Tumulak, Cebu Provincial focal person on traffic management, recommended to the traffic units of the three local government units (LGUs) to map out a management plan to minimize congestion along major thoroughfares.

He convened the LGUs’ and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) representatives to address the complaints raised by residents and commuters on social media.

The problem was blamed to the ongoing road widening project of DPWH in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion and the alleged lack of coordination between the LGU and the government agency.

The area was identified as a “choke point” during rush hours.

According to Tumulak, the barangay officials were unaware of the road project.

Tumulak said the local officials also complained about the project because it’s taking too long to finish.

It was found out during the meeting that the project was supposed to be completed last January 10.

DPWH, however, assessed the completion rate only at 18 percent.

Tumulak said the officials called out the attention of the contractor because of the slow development of the project.

The delay in the road widening project, which targets to expand the road to four lanes from two, has been attributed to unresolved property issues.

Tumulak said the officials agreed to conduct a monthly meeting to monitor and discuss the developments of the projects, among others. (FREEMAN)