By Elias O. Baquero
Sunday, February 5, 2012
MANDAUE City is growing so rapidly that in recent months, a new business or mall was inaugurated every three months, a trend that is likely to continue, a business leader said.
But an increase in business activity and urbanization has also taken their toll on the city, as seen in its deteriorating roads.
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Speaking at the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza last week, Eric Ng Mendoza, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said the business sector remains optimistic that continuous road repair and the installation of proper drainage will improve the city’s roads.
Business owners would have no second thoughts about paying taxes and other obligations, if they know their fees will be reflected in better infrastructure and basic services, he said.
He added, however, that during the latest meeting between the business sector and the Mandue City Government, they were told about 15 projects set to be implemented this year, include road paving and drainage works.
Sixteen out of 18 infrastructure projects in the proposed Annual Investment Plan for 2011 were supposed to have been pursued in Mandaue, according to a report on the website of the National Economic and Development Authority 7.
The list included the widening of Hernan Cortes St. for P240 million, as well as the drainage rehabilitation on A.S. Fortuna St. for P30 million.
The report did not provide updates on the status of these proposed projects, which would have amounted to P1.77 billion for the sixth congressional district. Promises to widen Hernan Cortes St. were repeatedly made by presidential candidates during the campaign for the May 2010 elections.
Mendoza said that as far as the “long overdue” widening of Hernan Cortes St. is concerned, the MCCI will arrange for a dialogue between the government and at least 200 companies and individuals whose properties will be affected.
“MCCI is trying to link up the business sector and the City Government, especially on what projects to prioritize to promote business and services,” Mendoza said.
Radio commentator Cirse “Choy” Torralba pointed out the improvement of all city roads is the sole responsibility of the City Government.
Broadcaster Emmanuel Rabacal, who is also chair of the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council, said this was also the reason the Department of Public Works and Highways did not act on a request to expand Hernan Cortes St.
The IDC is scheduled to meet later this month.
Torralba added that Rep. Luis Gabriel Quisumbing (Cebu Province, 6th district) has allocated a portion of his Priority Development Assistance Fund to add a concrete overlay and install drainage on A.S. Fortuna St. Parts of the street often get flooded during heavy rains.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 06, 2012.
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