We need that car park

Dave Achondo

THE proposal of councilors for the local government to construct a five-level building for parking is a godsend — that is, if it gets approved and put into action. But Cagayan de Oro history tells us that when it comes to politics, someone is always there to foil good ideas. And so, I am crossing my fingers but I hope that this proposal would get approved and officials would act on it. A multi-level car park at the heart of the city is long overdue. We definitely need one or two of those ASAP.

Cagayan de Oro is rapidly growing but as it develops even more, our space problems also worsen. Imagine how hard it has become for commercial establishments to do business without parking spaces for their customers.

I am convinced that a car park would decongest the city proper the same way that the Gusa-Agora coastal road significantly improved the vehicular traffic flow on CM Recto Avenue.

A car park would definitely decongest the heart of the city but as we have already seen, many good ideas in the past were shot down by political obstructionism. This brings to mind the mayor’s slogan “Kaabag dili babag.” That should be the case. But, oh, partisan politics… We have too many traditional politicians.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya has re-introduced the proposal to the city council, and he say this plan is being studied by the Roads and Traffic Administration.

The city definitely needs it. Our roads are congested, and the number of cars is not being regulated. On top of that, illegal vendors are clogging up vital parts of the city proper. A car park would greatly help in making the flow of vehicular traffic smooth.

But where will they build the car park in case it gets approved? I have no clue. Fact is, Divisoria itself is crowded and congested.

The suitable place should be near the establishments, but the area should not be too crowded.

City hall can buy a private property but that would be very costly.