PEDESTRIANIZATION. A conceptual image of the historical Colon St. in Cebu City shows a pedestrianized road. Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Monday (June 24, 2024) said pedestrianization of the downtown area coincides with the local government's establishment of a heritage district that would boost local tourism. (Graphic courtesy of BRT Project Office)
CEBU CITY – The city government will support “pedestrianization” along the downtown area, a “link-to-port” feature of the Bus Rapid Transit Project, if proper permits are obtained before closing roads and installing facilities.
In a press conference, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said widening pedestrian lanes along Osmeña Blvd. from LandBank to Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño area, as well as the historical Magallanes and Colon Streets, coincide with the establishment of a heritage district as part of the city’s wider tourism program.
Garcia’s statement came after the BRT project management office installed six lampposts in the middle of Osmena Blvd. which drew flak from netizens, saying they posed a danger to motorists.
“Last week, I have instructed them not to continue putting more of those streetlamps that are put in the middle of the road. It poses danger not only to motorists but to pedestrians alike,” he said.
Garcia clarified he “approved in principle the design” but not the installation of the lampposts.
Closure of roads, he said, also needs approval from the Cebu City Council.
He added improvements, such as the construction of bike lanes and wider pedestrian lanes from the BRT terminal on Osmeña Blvd. to the pier area, need permits from different local offices.
The effort will boost tourism-related activities in areas where roads would be closed from vehicle traffic and encourage walking and biking.
BRT project coordinator Norvin Imbong vowed to properly coordinate every action regarding the pedestrianization effort of the downtown area of the city. (PNA)
