A long overdue road project
Atty. Jerome G. Neri
The Scrutineer
IN 1998, then mayor Alvin Garcia saw the need for an alternate route from V. Rama to Gorordo Ave. This road would run parallel to Escario St. Between 1998 to 2001, then mayor Garcia did everything to get this road project realized. At that time this project was opposed by the Gochan family and went to the courts to have it stopped. By 2001, everything was ready for the implementation of the project. As we all know, Tommy Osmeña won the election. There was a changing of the guard at City Hall.
Even after the changing of the guard at City Hall, it seemed like that this project was a go. In an Oct. 27, 2002 news article, then acting mayor Gabriel Leyson said the City was to earmark P23 million for a bridge that will make this new road link possible. The very next day, on Oct. 28, 2002 another news article came out stating that congressman Raul del Mar was to add funding for the bridge project as to make this new road a reality.
On Nov. 5, 2002, a news article came out where mayor Tommy Osmeña said there was no hurry for the project as he still has to talk to the Gochans. He said, “I have to do some consultation. The Gochans are very close to me, I don’t like any unnecessary animosity at this time.” He added that the Gochans still maintain their position because they “like the privacy” in the area.
This road project does not affect much of Gochans’ properties in that area. It does not encroach on the Gochan house and it only affects a portion of their vacant lots 1028 l-1 (affected area 257.92 square meters) and lot 1028B (affected area 351.85 square meters). The total land holdings of the Gochans in that area is more that two hectares, excluding their claim of ownership to all the road lots within lot 1028.
It appears that Mayor Osmeña shelved this project as from 2002 up to today, the road still does not exist. I wonder what his reasons were at that time. Given the traffic situation today, this is one project that must be implemented ASAP. I really believe the majority opposition council will not block such a project. Traffic solutions like this should be beyond politics.
In fact on his second term, just like Alvin, mayor Mike Rama looked into this project again together with the Regional Development Council. Studies were made and it was found out that it would cost around P120 million. This is very doable. Maybe we, the public, should clamor for City Hall to get the ball rolling again.
Sometime in September 2014, The Regional Trial Court, Branch 17 released a decision in favor of the City and against the Gochans on certain property that would be used for this road project.
Just recently, a concerned citizen visited the proposed route and found out that it is still practically the same as it was in 1998; there have been no major structures built in the area since 1998 up to today. This still can be done. It is just a matter of political will.
Now if Mayor Osmeña is unwilling to do this, I hope someone can bring this to the attention of the National Government. Cebu needs this 1.6-kilometer stretch of road and make it as wide as possible.
If nothing happens in the next three years, then it is time to replace these old politicians with new young blood who are willing to serve the City.
