Road widening suffers delay

CEBU, Philippines — Due to delays in the implementation of the planned road widening in Talamban, Cebu City, some residents whose homes were expected to be affected have returned to the structures they vacated, despite these having already been purchased by the Cebu City Government.

During the Cebu City Council's recent executive session, proponent Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover emphasized the need to address the worsening traffic congestion along the Talamban-Pit-os corridor, describing it as a recurring issue, especially during peak hours.

Since the proposal for road widening in the Talamban-Pit-os corridor in 2010, its implementation has yet to begin, resulting in persistent traffic congestion in the area.

The executive session was called to specifically tackle and find a concrete solution to the problem.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Infrastructure, said a road-widening plan has long been in place but remains a “long-overdue” project for the area.

He added that the plan is to expand the existing two-lane road to four lanes, complete with sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. A drainage system on both sides is also included.

According to Guardo, the remaining challenge is lot acquisition, which costs about P91 million. While some affected structures have already been paid for, most still face hurdles due to issues with tax declarations, preventing the city government from finalizing the purchases.

He explained that the properties without tax declarations are those with uncertain ownership, making them ineligible for sale.

During the session, Talamban Barangay Captain Nilo Tariman also addressed the council, expressing concerns over the “whole-day” traffic congestion along the stretch.

According to him, the road-widening project was initiated during the term of Councilor Alvin Arcilla, and the process of purchasing the affected lots began in 2010.

He added that some establishments and business owners vacated the area after receiving payment but later reoccupied the same spaces when the proposed expansion failed to materialize.

“So mao na siya nasugdan, unya na bayran na, naa na gyud mga tawo didto nga ang ilang building, ila ng giurongan, wala na nila kuani (gi-puyan), kay nabayran na sila, pero sad to say namalik,” said Tariman.

When asked if there would be another round of negotiations should the road widening push through, Tariman admitted he was uncertain.

Guardo, however, assured that those who reoccupied their structures are now considered illegal settlers, adding that a clearing operation will take place once the widening begins.

In light of this, Alcover expressed frustration over the slow progress of government project implementation.

“The irony sa atong gobyerno ba, hinay pas bao, mao nay sakit nga kamatuoran, then ang mga tawo maoy mu sakripisyo,” said Alcover.

Alcover said the persistent traffic congestion in the area has led to road rage and conflicts. He added that he remains hopeful the project will finally be implemented and not remain an unfulfilled promise to the people.

Councilor Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella II, who lives in a nearby area and regularly passes through the corridor, also attested that traffic congestion has worsened over the years.

He noted that motorcycles parked along the roadside contribute to the problem.

Tariman admitted they have yet to come up with an alternative solution for these parked motorcycles. However, he pointed out that traffic congestion, in some ways, helps reduce road accidents by slowing down vehicles.

“Kay unsa man og imong hawanan, kusog sad ang padaganan sa sakyanan, daghan kaayo og aksidente,” said Tariman.

He also acknowledged that politics sometimes plays a role in project delays.

In line with this, Tariman called on the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to help manage traffic in the area while awaiting the project’s implementation.   ATO (CEBU NEWS)