This is the roundup of top stories today, May 27, 2016.
Drinking water still scarce despite heavy rains
DESPITE days of heavy rains, which has led to flooding in Mandaue and Cebu City, water supply in Cebu remains critical according to the Metropolitan Cebu Water Disrict. Supply at the Buhisan dam is still minimal, while production at the Jaclupan facility continue to drop.
The Jaclupan small dam, which normally produces 20,000 cubic meters, is down to 6,500, 200 less than two days ago. The Buhisan Dam, which normally supplies 7,000 cubic meters, is down to 500 cubic meters a day since it reopened last week. It was at zero last April.
The rainy season started at half of May. The rains produced lately are not enough for the water systems to recover. The Buihsan was not used for two months but it has water left although not substantial. Since we need water for augmentation, we decided to open it. Charmain Rodriguez-Kara, MCWD spokesperson.
Read: Cebu Daily News: Heavy rains still not enough for parched Cebu.
Team Rama barangay captains defy Margot’s order
Despite facing the threat of having charges filed against them, 42 barangay captains refused to heed Acting Cebu City Mayor Margot Osmena’s order to return the city-issued vehicles. Only 36 of the 80 barangays heeded Osmena’s order, while the rest sought the help of suspended vice mayor Edgardo Labella to have their vehicles excluded.
“Vehicles used by barangay captains are also used for emergency. I’m a witness to all of these. It can be used as an ambulance, a patrol car and even during funerals. We are very much concerned. Anything can happen at any time.” suspended Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.
“I haven’t seen (Labella’s letter). But it doesn’t matter. Just return the car. The fact remains that they don’t own the car. They can do whatever. They can do it in English, in Spanish or in Chinese. Just return the car.” acting Cebu City Mayor Margot Osmena.
Read: Cebu Daily News: 42 barangay captains defy Margot’s order to return vehicles.
P2 billion vs. P55 million solution to traffic woes
Planners want the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Mega Cebu Development and Coordinating Board to come up with a solution for the traffic congestion at the UN Avenue-Plaridel St. intersection. DPWH’s solution is to build a tri-level flyoever in the area worth P2 billion, while Mega Cebu wants a channelized flared intersection that will cost only P55 million. They will meet today to come up with a common solution.
This involves a big problem. I would like this committee to leave the legacy of being able to help solve the traffic problem in the are. I think you should sit down and give it a little time. Emmanuel Rabacal, chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council.
Read: Cebu Daily News: Planners want DPWH, Mega Cebu to find common ground in traffic solution.
Other Cebu News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Cops, hospitals work on agreement for police presence
Sun.Star Cebu: Orphan kiled after lighted candle for departed father burns house
Sun.Star Cebu: IEC organizers earn P150 million, plan projects for the poor
Sun.Star Cebu: City Hall orders Mandaue City barangays to clean drainage…after rainy season has started
Sun.Star Cebu: Consolacion mayor faces charges for unlawful appointment
Sun.Star Cebu: Ched launches program for college teachers
Sun.Star Cebu: After failing anti-red tape test, Mandaue City adopts changes
Cebu Daily News: Mandaue City frowns on fire victims’ stay at CICC
Cebu Daily News: Cops nab 16, including school teacher, in anti-drug ops
Cebu Daily News: Margot sets new rental rate for Kaohsiung bus
Cebu Daily News: DPWH undertaking P200M drainage and dredging project in Mandaue
Cebu Daily News: CCPO conducts simulation test to check cops’ readiness
Cebu Business News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Local players hope to increase cacao producation
Sun.Star Cebu: Globe hopes to tap ‘unassigned TV frequencies’ for broadband use
Freeman: Tomas asks Cebu Chamber to help small businessman
Freeman: Jollibee invests in new poultry processing plant
Cebu Daily News: PLDT launches new product for hotels, retailers
