Dark and dangerous

Dave Achondo

I RECENTLY passed through the newly opened coastal road in Cagayan de Oro earlier this week. I and my bike buddies went there to get some fresh air and do a little sightseeing. It was my first time there.

I quickly noticed a few vital parts that are missing. There are no street lights, cat eyes, and the lack of road signs would make you feel intimidated if you hang around the place for a long time especially during at night. So I thought to myself: Basig i-apas ra siguro. Yes, they will, but not this year.

Apparently, the Department of Public Works and Highways won’t be able to put in place the street lights till next year or until September. It might be possible that they overshot their budget, and maybe for that reason, they decided to get the budget for the lights and other add-ons that the road sorely needs in next year’s budget. You have to ask yourselves, why?

We might be hearing more accidents because the new coastal road is still lacking. But while we wait, can’t the government do something to reduce the risks there to improve the visibility?

As it was getting dark, it was time for us to move out and start heading back home. I started feeling nervous as huge trucks and buses whizzed past us, and then I saw an old man on a BMX bike with no helmet, and no break lights. That, right there, is begging for an accident.

Over all, the coastal road project is great. But it needs a little bit of fine tuning up in order for it to serve its purpose. It needs street lights so that people who want to do some sightseeing at night can enjoy the view. It would also keep criminals away from the sidewalks.

The only light I saw came from the headlights of vehicles. I don’t think it is wise to wait until next year for the new road to light up. Government officials who are in the position to do something should not sit there and do nothing while accidents take place under their noses.