GINGOOG City — City officials want a master plan for the proposed government hub in Civoleg to prevent the new government center from creating the same traffic and infrastructure problems now experienced in the city proper.

City Councilor and Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Liga President Winfred Militante Jr. raised the concern during the Sangguniang Panlungsod's regular session on Sept. 28.

The council was deliberating on ordinances authorizing Mayor Erick G. Cañosa to enter into agreements with national government agencies for designated lots at Civoleg in Barangay Lunotan.

Militante said planners should consider road access, traffic flow and the location of buildings before construction begins.

He cited the city's narrow roads and existing traffic problems, as well as the lack of proper arrangement of some buildings in the city proper.

He also stressed the need for roads wide enough to accommodate emergency responders, particularly fire trucks.

Plan utilities, roads early

Councilor Antonio Jesus B. Villahermosa said the Civoleg development should have a comprehensive master plan before construction starts.

The plan, he said, should cover the layout of roads, water and electricity lines, drainage systems and other basic infrastructure.

The goal is to ensure that the government hub develops in an orderly manner and that infrastructure can keep pace with the offices and facilities that will be built there.

Councilor Stephanie Marie L. Kho, chairperson of the Committee on Housing, Land Use and Zoning and Urban and Rural Poor Affairs, said the council's recommendations would be carefully studied.

Four agencies allotted lots

The city government has allocated 25,000 square meters to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for its planned facility, including a proposed NBI Academy for Mindanao.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was allocated 10,000 square meters for a proposed office and nursery, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office No. 97 was allocated 2,000 square meters for a training center.

Another 200 square meters was allocated to the Philippine Red Cross Gingoog Chapter for its administrative office.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved all related ordinances on second and final reading during its Sept. 28 regular session.

The proposed master plan is intended to guide the development of the government hub before the construction of the different facilities begins.