City council wants full rehab of CCSC oval

Local

A FULL rehabilitation of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) track oval was recommended by the city council following an inspection on Tuesday, November 5.

The assessment led by City Councilor Jerry Guardo, chair of the infrastructure committee, confirmed substantial damage requiring immediate repair, especially with the Sinulog Festival approaching early next year.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has instructed SBD Builders, the contractor handling the CCSC renovations, to start repairs the first week of November.

Failure to meet this timeline could lead to contract termination and non-payment for the ongoing P52 million project.

During the inspection, Guardo, accompanied by CCSC Manager Jovito Taburada and officials from the Department of Engineering and Public Works, found that damage was concentrated on the right side facing the grandstand.

Guardo emphasized the importance of a comprehensive overhaul instead of limited spot repairs and is expected to formally present his findings to Garcia.

SBD Builders confirmed that the materials for repairs have arrived and are awaiting approval from Garcia to begin.

Although the initial agreement with SBD Builders focused on repairs in the grandstand area, Guardo’s inspection revealed significant wear in the rear sections as well.

Shaun Doherty, representing SBD Builders, suggested a partial approach, but Guardo noted deterioration in the rubber layer on several sections, with the rear portion particularly degraded.

Additionally, Guardo has requested an evaluation of the track’s drainage and the asphalt layer beneath the rubber, citing potential long-term structural issues.

During a recent executive session with the City Council on October 30, Doherty estimated that 300 to 400 square meters would need repair.

However, this was later adjusted to approximately 600 square meters near the grandstand area. Despite the increased scope, Doherty committed to continuing the repairs, acknowledging financial losses incurred so far.

Guardo underscored that the repairs should be completed by December to allow a two-week curing period before Sinulog.

He added that past damage may have resulted from cultural event preparations on the track, with sections of the oval previously covered in plywood for protection.(MyTVCebu)