The Iloilo City Government will assign a total of six personnel to operate the elevators of a pedestrian overpass on Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao district.
“Naistorya ko na si DPWH-6 (Department of Public Works and Highways) assistant regional director Al Fruto. Ginpapangitaan ko na tawo para kita na sina maoperate,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
Funded and implemented by the DPWH-6, the P19-million overpass with elevators was inaugurated in Jan. 2015.
The elevators were installed primarily for persons with disabilities (PWDs), the elderly and pregnant women.
Treñas said the city government will also funds for the maintenance of the elevators.
“Ang problema sang una kay indi magpirma ang syudad sang maintenance. Aton na gid na, indi pa ta magpirma,” the mayor said.
The project, which included bike and pedestian lanes, has not yet been turned over to the city government.
Former mayor Mayor Jose Espinosa III refused to accept the facility. “Antis kita maghatag ta da sang tawo kag mag-maintain, kinanglan bal-an ko nga may spareparts kay karun kon sa aton na na kag indi ma maintain kay throw away type bala ti budlay man. We are just being prudent nga tan awon ta nga may antis kita mag-take-over, mabal an ko gid ang supplier kag availability of spareparts.”
Early this year, the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) questioned the non-operation of the elevators.
Acting on the frequent vehicular accidents on the avenue, the PSTMO was finding ways to improve the traffic situation on the busy thoroughfare.
PSTMO head Jeck Conlu observed that the overpass had degenerated into a dirty “comfort room” and that very few pedestrians were using it to cross the avenue.
Treñas, meanwhile, vowed to facilitate the construction of a canopy in the area for the comfort of users.
He said the operation of the elevators will start as soon as the City Engineers Office finds the capable personnel.IMT
