Contractor blames non-sport events for CCSC damage

Local

THE contractor of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) track oval strongly defends the quality of their work, denying any use of substandard materials. Instead, the contractor blames large events for causing the damage.

Shaun Doherty, owner of SBD Builders, insists that the track oval was designed exclusively for sports activities and that hosting other events compromises its durability.

In an interview on Monday, September 16, 2024, Doherty explained that transporting equipment for recent events had significantly damaged the track, even before the Palarong Pambansa 2024.

"Puthaw, mga bug-at nga butang ipaagi. Kana man gud siya pangkuan raman gud na siya gud, pang-track and field, dili gyud na siya pwede og other activities,” he said.

He added that while the rubberized track withstands weather conditions, it is intended solely for sports. Events involving heavy equipment, such as stage-building, worsened the track's condition. Aside from Palaro, the Cebu Provincial Government's Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was held in August.

"Atoang rubber [track], is only for sports track, it is not meant for anything else but for sports, but for running," he added.

Addressing the issue of inaccurate lane markings, which led to the nullification of several athletic records during the Palarong Pambansa in July, Doherty clarified that his company had no involvement in marking the lines.

The incorrect measurements, which made the track shorter than the standard 400 meters, embarrassed the city and disappointed athletes whose records were not recognized.

Despite these problems, Doherty committed to repairing the damages under warranty. He noted that the repair process could take time due to material procurement from China and inconsistent weather.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who inspected the track with Doherty, confirmed that the CCSC track oval, even if there will be repair works, will remain open to the public until further notice.

Garcia assured the public that rehabilitation work would be completed in time for the Sinulog 2025, which will take place at the CCSC instead of the South Road Properties.

Meanwhile, karate athlete Karla Katrina Kim Arriba filed a legal complaint after injuring herself on the defective track.

Her lawyer is seeking P880,000 in compensation. Councilor Rey Gealon warned that the Cebu City government could face legal consequences if it fails to address the track's safety concerns.

In response, Doherty said that he would address the allegations in the proper forum and has supporting evidence, including CCTV footage, for his defense.

"We are just waiting for them to file a complaint, file a case. Our lawyer has advised us to let them file," he said.

Despite these challenges, Garcia introduced initiatives to promote health and wellness, offering free access to the track oval for registered senior citizens on designated days and extending the same privilege to Cebu City Hall employees.

The CCSC was closed in May 2023 for rehabilitation, but the contract with SBD Builders was awarded in October the same year, and the project commenced after receiving the notice to proceed in January 2024.

It reopened in June, a few weeks before the start of the Palarong Pambansa.(MyTVCebu)