ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has long wanted to turn over to the city government the pedestrian overpass with two elevators it built on Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao district.
But the city government refused, according to Vivian Tan, regional information officer of DPWH-6.
She said the city government wanted additional features – steel gates for the elevators for added security up the overpass.
“Kay delikado kuno kon wala steelgate. Ti wala ini nadala sa contract sang contractor,” said Tan.
The city government wanted the steel gates added to secure the elevators from vandals.
DPWH-6 inaugurated the pedestrian overpass on Jan. 9, 2015 as an additional feature of the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue expansion project, which also included bike and pedestrian lanes.
Its elevators were intended for persons with disabilities (PWDs), the elderly and pregnant women who were having a hard time crossing the widened avenue. But these haven’t been operational for years already.
Tan said City Engineer Roberto Divinagracia recently met with DPWH-6 planning engineer Marichu Baldonado, electrical engineer Alexander Parreño and a representative of project contractor Gurrea Construction to discuss the proposed steel gate for the elevators.
Gurrea Construction agreed to fabricate the steel gates and install these for free, said Tan.
After the installation, the city government would formally accept the project from DPWH-6, she said.
The pedestrian overpass and its nonfunctional elevators caught the attention of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) of city hall early this week.
PSTMO chief Jeck Conlu observed that the overpass had degenerated into a dirty “comfort room” and that very few pedestrians were using it to cross Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue.
“We want those elevators to function as intended. Does DPWH need personnel to operate the elevators? Perhaps we could provide the manpower,” said Conlu.
Acting on the frequent vehicular accidents on the avenue, the PSTMO is finding ways to improve the traffic situation on the busy thoroughfare./PN
