PEOPLE crossing Osmeña Boulevard can no longer rely on the two skywalks along the old Jones Avenue by August 2023, when two skywalks in the area will be demolished.
Cebu City Councilor Gerry Guardo confirmed to SunStar Cebu on Friday, June 9, 2023, that the skywalk near the Fuente Osmeña Circle and another skywalk near Cebu Normal University (CNU) will be demolished to pave the way for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
Guardo said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is already securing the letter of no objection from concerned agencies, especially the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“I was informed by DOTr, ang ilang timeline for the demolition, after securing all the permits and clearances from the DPWH, two months from today, kay naa naman sila sa tungod [ang construction] sa Fuente,” Guardo said.
(I was informed by DOTr that their timeline for the demolition, after securing all the permits and clearances from the DPWH is two months from today because they are already constructing right at Fuente.)
Once all the permits are granted, Guardo said it “will not take too long” to complete the demolition granted that the operations are unhampered, but he could not definitely say how long.
Additionally, Guardo said that before any demolition works happen, DOTr will also have to secure a demolition clearance from the Office of the Building Official (OBO).
The CCTO will also need to implement traffic rerouting schemes to ensure the safety of motorists when the skywalks are being removed.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon told SunStar on Friday that the resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod was made to ensure that all the proper processes are observed when the demolition works start.
“The intent of the resolution is to remind those that are involved in the BRT Project to comply with what is mandated by law in demolishing government structures, especially on COA’s involvement.”
“That the Sanggunian cannot be faulted for not having opposed its demolition if they would not comply. This resolution, standing alone, manifests good faith to uphold the rule of law,” Gealon said.
The City Council resolved “to request DEPW, OBO, and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit management contractor to strictly (comply) with all legal formalities before implementing the demolition of the skywalks near the Fuente Osmeña Circle and Cebu Normal University.” Gealon said the estimated cost of each skywalk is around P4 million. (EKV)