ENGINEER Ferdinand Magada, chief of Construction Section of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said that the construction of Esplanade from Lupit Bridge along the Circumferential Road going to the Bacolod Government Center (BGC) is now 95 percent completed.

Magada said the contractor of the project promised them to finish the Esplanade project this month.

He said the half-kilometer esplanade project with a total budget of P37 million is also similar to the esplanade in Iloilo City.

Esplanade is a long, open, level area, typically beside sea or river, along which people may walk for pleasure.

Magada said the Esplanade project was constructed with a flood wall, benches, railings, lighting facilities and blocks to make the area more attractive.

He said next year, they will construct another flood wall on the right side of the river.

District Engineer Abraham Villareal earlier said that it’s the first esplanade in Bacolod.

"The Esplanade was visualized by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar since we have a legal easement of our riverbanks that can be developed into a place where people can promenade and serve as a park, and it was supported by the city officials," he said.

After the construction, the management of the esplanade will be turned over to the City Government to ensure that there will be no illegal settlers in the area.