Politics derail construction of flyovers in Bacolod
BACOLOD CITY -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane advised the mayor and congressman of Bacolod to have a meeting of minds on the flyover projects for the city so its construction could be finished before the end of the year.
Political squabbles between Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Rep. Monico Puentevella were identified as the major factor why the project was not yet realized for almost six years now.
Ebdane said the budget allocated is already available and they are afraid that it will be reverted back to the national treasury if it has not been obligated within two years.
“We have sent our technical personnel to talk with Mayor Leonardia and Congressman Puentevella so they would be able to resolve where the flyover projects will be constructed in the city,” he added.
There is a need for proper coordination between the two because although the congressman has the power to identify such project, permits should be granted by the local government unit headed by the mayor.
“If the project will not push through, the congressman has the prerogative to re-align projects within his jurisdiction,” Ebdane added.
He also advised the people of Bacolod to look into this issue because of the belief that it can influence their decisions (referring to both parties) since project are beneficial to the people.
With a project cost of not less P1 billion, Bacolod is a recipient of two flyovers out of the 10 flyover projects in the Philippines under the Tulay ng Pangulo program.
Two venues have been identified, Burgos-Lacson and B.S Aquino-Lacson but various businessmen made a position not to allow the construction on that areas because it cannot solve the congestion.
Magsaysay-Araneta site was later identified by DPWH technical men but it was questioned by the city for lack of feasibility study.
In an interview few months ago, Puentevella promised that the project will push through within this year as part of his major project before he will leave the congressional seat but until today no development was heard because of the pending question from the city.