Structures going down as Cebu BRT system rises
I suggest that they agree to sell their affected properties because the government can always expropriate them
At least 150 residential and commercial structures have to be demolished to give way to the road-widening project and the Cebu City Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system construction that will be in full swing by next year.
South District City councilor James Cuenco, chair of the Commit tee on Transportation, told the Daily Tribune the Department of Public Works and Highways will pay property owners a fair market value instead of the much lower zonal value.
Cuenco justified the demolition of the structures as major streets are allowed to be expanded. In Cebu’s case, as dedicated lanes for public utility buses.
“I suggest that they agree to sell their affected properties because the government can always expropriate them. They don’t have any choice,” he said.
Cebu City desperately needs an effective and efficient mass transportation system. The BRT system is one aspect of that.
The BRT line will start at F. Vestil Street and South Road Property (SRP) Road in Barangay Mambaling, where the bus depot will be located.
From SRP Road, the line will traverse the Natalio Bacalso Avenue in the southern section of the city toward Osmeña Boulevard going to the Capitol. The northern section will be from Escario Street, to Gorordo Avenue, then Salinas Drive.
In Salinas Drive, another depot will be located at the I.T. Park in Barangay Apas, en route to the northernmost Barangay Talamban.
The Cebu City BRT covers 39.88 kilometers of actual routes.
Cuenco said payments for property owners are already deposited with Land Bank of the Philippines — 30 percent for residential owners and 70 percent commercial.
The BRT construction is projected to begin by first quarter of 2021 after the design is approved by the Cebu City Council. Target completion will be by the first quarter of 2022 but routes are expected to partially operate by December 2021.
Cuenco hinted that some city councilors “are not comfortable” with the design of the project to be implemented by the Department of Transportation.
“Cebu City desperately needs an effective and efficient mass transportation system. The BRT system is one aspect of that. We may have been focusing on the fight against COVID-19 but priority projects shall continue,” Mayor Edgardo Labella said.