CBRT foundations near Capitol removed

Local

THE uprooting of steel structures that were mounted in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol as part of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project has started.

The structures, originally planned as foundations for bus stations, had been placed in the middle of Osmeña Boulevard, affecting the traffic flow in the area.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Program Manager Benedicto Guia Jr. confirmed the removal during a meeting with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and key CBRT personnel last week.

World Bank representatives, including Operations Manager Dandan Chen, expressed their support for the Governor’s stance, stressing the need to address the issues to ensure continued funding for the project.

Garcia had previously ordered the removal of the steel posts in July 2024, citing their obstruction to traffic flow and the safety hazards they posed.

She also issued a cease-and-desist order against the CBRT contractor, as the planned bus stations were set to be built on Capitol-owned land.

Additionally, the governor raised concerns that the project could potentially violate the cultural and heritage integrity of the Capitol, which is a National Historical Landmark under legal protection.

The World Bank backed the governor’s concerns, with Senior Operations Officer Monica Sawyer and Transport Specialist John Richardson acknowledging the importance of resolving the issue.

With the steel structures removed, the CBRT team will now focus on improving the sidewalks along Osmeña Boulevard, extending to the Fuente Rotunda. Planned upgrades include curb improvements, streetlights, paving blocks, and planting strips, all aimed at creating a more pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Meanwhile, CBRT Project Manager Norvin Imbong confirmed that the removed steel structures would be temporarily stored at the Fuente station.

He also noted that he had yet to request permission from Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to store the posts at the South Road Properties but is exploring suitable storage options.(MyTVCebu)