Construction of controversial P1.3B Cebu Capitol Resource Center set to start

CEBU GOVERNOR Hilario P. Davide III has confirmed that the controversial 20-story Capitol Resource Center, which would cost the provincial government nearly P1.3 billion, will break ground on Feb. 18. The center is touted as the “flagship” project of Mr. Davide’s administration. The project, to be built inside the provincial complex, faced criticisms from heritage advocates and interruptions during the proposal stage. However, Jone Siegfred Sepe, provincial general services officer, said the provincial government is pushing on with the building construction, starting with the ceremonial groundbreaking. He said the contractor already posted a P38 million performance bond last Feb. 8. Mr. Sepe also said that the authentication of the contract signed by Mr. Davide and WT Construction executives is being finalized, after which the provincial government will serve the Notice to Proceed within this week. All the documents will be endorsed to the engineering office, which will supervise the construction phase, including the demolition of the abandoned building at the site and the excavation works. The engineering department will hold a pre-construction conference to discuss the timeline and the specific works during the construction. Project completion is targeted in two years. — The Freeman