Gov. Gwen Garcia has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways–Cebu 2nd district office and its contractors to stop all widening projects along the southern highway, particularly in the Municipality of San Fernando, unless the necessary steps are taken to remove existing structures, such as electrical posts, that obstruct the widening efforts.
The governor’s directive was made during a meeting with contactors and DPWH Cebu second district officials, led by District Engineer Leslie Anthony Molina, on Monday, February 26, at the Capitol.
In her frequent travels around the province, Gov. Garcia is aware of the worsening traffic situation along the southern highway, particularly in San Fernando, due to DPWH-funded road widening and concreting works.
Gov. Garcia particularly called out portions of these road works where posts haven’t even been removed yet, posing hazards to the public.
In San Fernando, these are found from the junction of the public market (near 7-Eleven), down a narrow two-lane bridge, all the way to a nearby cement plant — the main chokepoints in the southern highway in the town.
The governor’s directive mandated a halt to any plans for widening unless DPWH and its contractors will be able to pull out any obstructions on portions to be widened.
Gov. Garcia emphasized and reiterated the need for proper coordination and consultation with the Provincial Government moving forward, adding that DPWH must have a clear traffic plan on their road projects in order not to inconvenience motorists.
She is set to meet with utility firms to discuss the expedited removal of posts that have not been removed yet from portions of the road already set for widening by DPWH.
She pointed out that the traffic congestion in these road projects is costing millions to the local economy and is causing too much inconvenience to the riding public. | Carlo Lorenciana