COA clears demolition of 2 Cebu City skywalks

CEBU, Philippines — The demolition of the two skywalks affected by the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City has already been cleared by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the committee on infrastructure of the City Council, said they have also acquired all the necessary permits to undertake the demolition. Guardo said they hope to clear the two skywalks before the year ends.

A multi-sectoral meeting was held yesterday to finalize the schedule. The meeting was attended by the officials of the Department of Transportation Office (DOTr), Department of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), City Planning, and PROBE.

According to Guardo, it would take five days to demolish each skywalk. He said the contractor was advised to salvage the parts of the skywalks that can still be used.

“We will schedule the removal, one at a time,” said Guardo.

Once the demolition date is set, a traffic advisory will be issued since a total road closure will be implemented on the section of Osmeña Boulevard where the skywalks are located.

The contractor started the demolition on December 8 by removing the roofings of the skywalk near the Cebu Normal University but it was immediately stopped by the city government.

Guardo said the order came from the executive department of the city because some plans needed to be aligned.

“I think it would be more proper that there must be a coordination meeting, para ang traffic is really hands-on, involved jud sila, so hoping na with this effort mas paspas pa or mas dali pa ang transfer and removal,” said Guardo.

Guardo said they will try to expedite the removal and transfer of the skywalks within the projected 10 working days.

“This will be the final na, after the meeting we will announce in public kanus-a ang schedule for the removal and transfer kay last week, we have already presented to the CCTO for the possible rerouting,” said Guardo. — (FREEMAN)