DPWH: Construction of skywalks needs coordination with LGU
ROXAS CITY – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut directed the Capiz 1st Engineering District to coordinate with the city government of Roxas with regard to the proposed construction of three skywalks or overpass in the city's main thoroughfares.
The directive was contained in Yabut's letter dated July 16, 2008 addressed to Assistant District Engineer Arturo D. Cabillos of the Capiz 1st Engineering Office.
Earlier, Cabillos said that they will proceed with the construction of the three skywalks despite the opposition from the city government.
He said that the Capiz 1st Engineering District already made coordinations with the City Engineer's Office when they applied for building permit and other pertinent papers for the project.
The city engineer, however, refused to issue a building permit since the proposed project was not course through a periodic consultation with the Local Government Unit as provided by the Local Government Code.
To note, the skywalk projects pushed by Representative Antonio del Rosario are strongly opposed by City Mayor Vicente Bermejo.
Bermejo instead advised Del Rosario to improve the drainage system which is badly needed in the city due to the occurrence of flood during the rainy season.
Del Rosario, however, claimed that no less than the business sector and educational institutions like the Filamer Christian College and President Roxas Memorial School requested for the construction of the skywalks in answer to the need of numerous students who cross the pedestrian lanes causing congestion and vulnerable to accidents.
Bermejo has issued a cease and desist order against the construction of the three skywalks located in front of Filamer Christian College, in front of big mall in San Roque and in front of President Manuel Roxas Memorial School in Arnaldo Boulevard.
Bermejo said the projects are superfluous and unwarranted because these have been identified and financed without prior consultation with the city engineer and planning officer.