Closure of Magsaysay road is mayor’s judgment call
City Mayor Jerry Treñas assumed full-responsibility on the failure to open the Magsaysay road at the back of the Iloilo Sports Complex during the two-day Dinagyang highlights over the weekend.
Treñas said it was his “judgment call” not to open the road for the motorists. He defended his action saying one lane of the Magsaysay road is not yet cured and is not ready to accommodate vehicles.
The mayor issued the statement after the Sangguniang Panlungsod questioned the closure of the road last week. The Magsaysay road could have served as alternative route as several Dinagyang-related activities were held at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
Treñas said the road is expected to open for public use this weekend, the end of its curing period.
The chief executive said there was an instance where they decided to open the road and it only caused damaged to the project. The newly constructed Magsaysay road bore bicycle marks after the motorist passed by the lane though the cement has just been poured.
The city government spent millions of pesos for the construction of the Magsaysay road after the Iloilo provincial government donated it. The Magsaysay road is used as alternative route in going to Lapaz and Jaro.
Meanwhile, the city council also passed an ordinance requiring the General Service Office to notify the council on the status of the city government funded road projects, whether it is up for closure, repair and construction. The ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Eldrid Antiquiera.