Expect the worst
NO PERSONNEL WILL MAN TRAFFIC IN SOUTH
What will happen to the traffic situation in the south with no enforcer manning it?
Both the Cebu City government and the Land Transportation Office said they won’t field traffic personnel to Barangay Mambaling where the underpass project is being constructed on N. Bacalso Avenue.
The other day, Mayor Tomas Osmeña decided to pull the city’s enforcers out of Barangay Mambaling after LTO-7 chief Victor Caindec challenged him to resign if LTO can do a better job in managing the traffic situation there.
Vehicle traffic in the south has worsened after construction work on the underpass project started last year.
Last week, a new traffic scheme was put in place as construction entered phase four. A dry run saw congestion lasting for up to 17 hours.
Last Friday, following Caindec’s challenge, Osmeña said he will leave the matter to the LTO. He said that if Caindec can solve the traffic problem in the south district, he will let LTO deal with the problem in other parts of the city, step down as mayor, and even endorse Caindec for the mayorship.
But Caindec did not give in easily, saying he has yet to clear the “conditions” before taking over management of the traffic situation.
“Personally, I look forward to seeing the legal terms the Mayor will present to this arguably interesting albeit unorthodox challenge,” Caindec said in a statement last Friday night.
“Especially the condition on the tipping point – what metric improvements will take place and for how long, that he will officially resign as mayor of Cebu City. Di pwede dawat limpyo siya,” he added yesterday.
With the city's personnel out of the picture, only policemen are on site to assist commuters, and the public may just have to brace for the worst.
“Dako gyud na nga problema kun walay enforcers didto kay traffic gani nga naa pay enforcers. Samot na og wala,” said Cebu City Transportation Office chief Francisco Ouano.
Ouano said the 24 enforcers that will be pulled out of Mambaling will be deployed to other parts of the city, particularly at the center and the North District.
He advised motorists and commuters to hit the streets extra early.
“Hands-off gyud mi sa Mambaling kay maoy order ni Mayor,” he said.
The word war between Osmeña and Caindec started when the mayor threatened to sue LTO-7 officials for their alleged failure to release the registration of vehicles and motorcycles on time.
Osmeña's threat hit a nerve with Caindec answering with a criticism on the traffic problem in the south.
Caindec said he lives in the South District that is why he can understand the sentiments of the people.
“Mao bitaw ako giingon niya sa ako statement. Don't tell me how to do my job at LTO and I won't tell him how to run Cebu City. Apil apil siya og rehistro, wala man gani niya nasulbad ang baha, traffic ug basura sa Cebu city,” he said.