by Tweeny S. Malinao, Correspondent
USING jack hammers and blow torches, personnel of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) started removing the overpriced lampposts in Cebu City streets.
The clearing operations started at Nivel Hills towards Juan Luna Avenue and then to S. Osmeña Avenue. Citom received an order from Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and clearance from the Visayas Ombudsman to remove the lampposts.
“From symbol of corruption we are replacing it with a symbol of being environment friendly,” Citom chairman Sylvan Jakosalem said.
All lampposts will be stored at the General Services Office (GSO) warehouse near Malacañang sa Sugbu. They are considered evidence in the graft case filed against several government officials.
The overpriced lampposts were installed in time for the Association of the Southeast Asian Summit in January 2007. Citom executive director Rafael Yap said all of the 667 lampposts within Cebu City are considered “useless.”
In place of the lampposts, City Hall personnel planted seedlings of a banyan tree and bougainvillea.
Posted on April 18, 2012
0