Mayor Jonas “Jonkie” Ouano of Mandaue City has issued a direct order to the City Hall and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately repair all defective streetlights on the city's two primary bridges. This urgent directive aims to ensure the safety of motorists and to prepare the city, a major thoroughfare, for the influx of visitors during the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
Mayor's Direct Intervention for Public Safety
In response to the numerous non-functioning lights, Mayor Ouano called for a meeting last Tuesday morning. The gathering included representatives from the Department of General Services (DGS), the City Engineering Office, and the DPWH 6th Engineering District. The sole agenda was to expedite the restoration of streetlights on the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the First Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on emphasized the mayor's deep concern over the need for proper illumination on the bridges, including their approaches and adjacent areas. “The mayor really wants the lighting on the bridges to be fixed properly. The truth is, this has been reported since last year. The city has already sent letters to the Bridge Board and the engineering offices, but until now, no action has been taken,” Malig-on stated.
ASEAN Summit Adds Urgency to Repairs
The impending ASEAN-related activities have significantly heightened the urgency of the repairs. Although no official ASEAN events are scheduled to be held within Mandaue City, the metropolis is expected to be a key transit route for delegates and staff.
“Mandaue City is a major passageway. Even without an event here, ASEAN personnel and participants will still pass through our roads. We cannot have our bridges in darkness,” Malig-on added. He clarified that the bridges fall under the jurisdiction of the DPWH and the Bridge Board, which prompted Mayor Ouano to personally summon DPWH officials to his office for the coordination meeting.
Prioritized Roads and Next Project Phase
Beyond the bridges, Mayor Ouano also instructed authorities to prioritize fixing the streetlights along A.C. Cortes Avenue and U.N. Avenue, the main feeder roads leading to the spans. This ensures a well-lit path for vehicles approaching these critical infrastructures.
The project's next phase will cover lighting repairs from Ouano Avenue to Plaridel Street near the Cansaga Bridge, with implementation targeted within the first quarter of this year. “For now, the most urgent are the lights on the bridges themselves and their approaches,” Malig-on reiterated.
Following the mayor's renewed push, the DPWH has committed to start the repair work by next week, marking a concrete step towards resolving the long-standing safety issue.
