Proposed elevated walkway project to connect key commercial areas in CdeO
- The Gavel
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
To provide safe and convenient pedestrian experience, the 21st City Council enacted an ordinance institutionalizing the establishment of sustainable elevated walkway system in key commercial areas and public districts in the city.
The proposed measure seeks to improve connectivity, mitigate traffic congestion, and improve vehicular and pedestrian flow in high-density urban areas like that of CM Recto Avenue, Limketkai Center and Agora, Cogon, Divisoria, and other areas identified by the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO).
To carry out the plan, the city government will appropriate from its general fund, and thereafter have the CPDO allocate annual funding from its special program fund for its continuous operation.
It will also venture into public-private partnerships (PPP) agreements with interested mall owners, real estate developers, banks, and private corporations as well as create revenue-generating mechanisms by allowing advertisement panels and digital billboards, ATM installation by commercial banks, local vendor booths or MSME kiosks and naming rights or sponsorship sections.
The generated rental income, based on the provision of the said ordinance, will help in the maintenance and expansion of the walkway.
On September 10, last year, laws and rules committee chair Councilor Cabanlas sought for the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to fast-track the planning and implementation of the proposed ₱570-million elevated walkway in the city.
In the said meeting, he learned that the Department of Public Works and Highways, through the efforts of Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, already requested ₱100 million for inclusion in the 2026 national budget. But because it is on a cash-based budget system, the project will be implemented in phases.
Knowing this might delay the completion of the project, the majority floor leader proposed that the national and local governments coordinate and collaborate closely for the early completion of the project. (FDC/SP)
Comments