Baguio city council probes states of footbridges at bonifacio street

October 7, 2019 Metro BLISTT

Pictures of a footbridge without stairs on both ends made the rounds on social media recently. The project drew flak from Baguio residents as it was revealed that the construction was halted due to budget shortage. The said footbridge is located at Bonifacio Street beside the Saint Louis University across the Cuesta Building.
The City Council summoned the Department of Public Works and Highways- Baguio City District Engineering Office (DPWHBCDEO), the City Engineering Office, and the ABCR Punong Barangay to apprise the august body of the status of the said footbridge.
The DPWH revealed that P1.5 Million was initially earmarked for the project in 2017. A request to increase the budget to P3.5 Million was made as the implementing agency claimed that the initial fund was insufficient. The request was granted partial approval, and the budget was raised to only P2.5 Million in 2018.
Despite the budget deficit, the construction was started in April, 2018. At present, the DPWH is awaiting the 2-Million additional budgets for the project which is expected to be allocated in 2020. The DPWH expressed hope that the construction of the footbridge will be completed in that same year.
The 1-Million excess grant will be spent for the provision of street lights in the area. Some councilors CEO, the City Buildings and Architecture Office, the City Mayor’s Office, and the concerned barangays to avoid haphazard, substandard, and problematic outcomes of projects undertaken by the department.
In the same dialogue, the City Council also requested the DPWH-CAR to check the issue on roadside encroachment along Bonifacio Street. The Council emphasized that encroachments on road-right of way should be strictly acted upon.
 
Jordan G. Habbiling