Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he will officially ask the Department of Public Works and Highways to explain the asphalt overlay road project along Lacson Street, Bacolod City, because it is a waste of money since the road is not damaged.

Leonardia said he was surprised to see the asphalt overlay at Lacson Street Tuesday evening, “because, in the first place, the road has no need for repair considering the quality of the cement work on it.”

That is one of the smoothest rides in Bacolod, he said, adding that he considers Lacson Street one of the beauties of Bacolod because the roads are wide and clear and the impact of the white cement is better than that of the black asphalt that it does not need at all.

Leonardia said one reason why Lacson Street has been named “tourism strip” is that during the MassKara Festival people are very comfortable in the area.

This is a situation where the national government did not consult the city and he does not even know who ordered it, he said.

He recalled that DPWH only informed them about the widening of the Circumferential Road.

“Maybe Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. should explain this, since he has that influence over DPWH, considering that he is the national representative,” Leonardia said.

They will ask the DPWH to explain the asphalt overlay project because, for them, it is a wrong priority and even a waste of money, he also said.

DPWH APOLOGY

Meanwhile, Acting DPWH District Engineer Reynaldo Venturina faxed a copy of their letter to Leonardia at past 8 last night explaining that, as the project was about to be implemented, they were in a quandary as to the exact date the equipment and other resources will be mobilized as weather disturbance Butchoy adversely affected their schedule.

Ventura said that, in their earnest desire to expedite the implementation of the project, they had inadvertently missed to notify the Mayor’s Office prior to its commencement, and apologized for their “lapses.”

Leonardia said the money could have been used on national roads in Bacolod that need repair like the Circumferential road, Sum-ag, and Alijis roads.

The asphalt overlay project has reportedly a budget of P10 million.

Leonardia, however, said he believes there is no need to fix Lacson Street since is it not damaged and is being used for tourism events like the MassKara and Bacolaodiat festivals.

Part of the touristic aspect of Lacson Street is its attractive white cemented roads, he said.

PRECAUTION

Meanwhile, a resolution requesting the Office of Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez and the DPWH to undertake precautionary measures on the asphalt overlaying road project at Lacson Street, Bacolod City, was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod yesterday.

The resolution authored by Councilor Roberto Rojas said early warning devices and signages must be installed to caution pedestrians and motorists passing through Lacson Street where an asphalt overlaying road project is ongoing, to avoid occurrence of accidents.

It said the DPWH should also place an advisory along the area to properly notify the public and, further, coordinate with the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office/Traffic Management Unit in order to avoid traffic congestion within the area.*CGS

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