Rama wants all civil works done along city roads stopped
CEBU CITY (Feb. 22, 2024) – Mayor Mike Rama has convened a team to come up with measures to ensure that massive gridlocks won’t happen again in all parts of the city.
The mayor said he has had it with the city’s traffic situation after the massive gridlock at the South Road Properties (SRP) last Wednesday, Feb. 21.
“Never again, anywhere (in) Cebu City,” Rama said in his Ingna’ng Mayor teleradyo program over Sugboanon Channel.
Rama said one measure he plans to implement is to stop all civil works that could disrupt traffic along the city’s main and secondary thoroughfares.
“Tanang civil works starting today that has not been implementing the right standard internationally on safety, (has to) stop! Cover it with a steel plate, until you can put up the safety nets,” he added.
Rama particularly called the attention of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as much of their projects have contributed to the worsening traffic situation.
“I don’t mind, if political supporter mo nako o dili. Samot na kung taga MCWD mo. Kung DPWH, utro,” he added.
He also reiterated his order to all construction firms with ongoing road projects to move their operations starting 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to avoid disrupting traffic.
Rama earlier raised the matter after calling the attention of the contractors of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project who initiated the removal of a skywalk along Fuente Osmeña Blvd. that caused a massive gridlock.
“Clear nako, walay trabaho sa buntag nga maka-obstruct. Alas 10 sa gabii hangtud alas 5 (sila magtrabaho),” he added.
Meeting
Rama earlier convened a meeting at 6 a.m. today with some officials to discuss on what they can be done to solve the city’s traffic situation.
Aside from Rama, present during the meeting are city administrator Collin Rosell, Ret. Fire Marshal Aderson Comar of the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement, Robert Varquez of the SRP management office, and Raquel Arce and lawyer Kent Francesco Jongoy of the Cebu City Transportation Office.
Lawyer Dominic Diño, the mayor’s chief of staff, was also present. Diño is also a member of the Traffic Management and Coordinating Council (TMCC).
Rama also plans to convince former TMCC chairman Atty. Rico Rey Francis “Koko” Holganza to work for him as his consultant for traffic affairs.
“Dili sa nako i-highlight sa. Nag sige pa sila’g break sa ilang minds. I gave them the upland and lowland. I even gave them case studies on eminent dangers,” he said.
Rama also expressed plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to develop traffic solutions.
“This is not solely about traffic, but any issue that demands proactive preparation. I refer to it as AI or Automatic with Initiative, which also represents “Artificial Intelligence”,” he added.| PPRMN / jkv
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