THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) had allocated around P2 million for the transfer and reinstallment of the tents from the Asian Food Market to the Sta. Ana Wharf as part of the beautification project of the wharf.
According to City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson the budget for the dismantling, transfer, and reinstallment of these tents have already been approved and they are just now waiting for the transfer of the funds.
She added the dismantling itself would actually cost around P500,000 and with the reinstallment, concreting of the floor among others will also be needed. Tecson said about two months will be needed to complete this project.
"The beautification of the Sta. Ana Wharf is now ongoing. The restrooms have already been inaugurated...We are targeting that the improved wharf will be launched in August, in time for Kadayawan," said Tecson adding that Tieza will take care of the entire funding for transfer and reinstallment of the tents.
They are also targeting to widen the space in front of Task Force Davao in Sta. Ana to give space for island hoppers to hang out upon arrival or while waiting. There will also be a space where night activities are envisioned to be conducted. Moreover, CTOO will allot spaces where food stalls will be put.
"We envision that there will be selling areas there just surrounding or near the inaugurated comfort rooms. Perhaps we will also have the houses there removed so the spaces will really be improved and provided well for the food stalls. The city will spend for that but for now we don't have final budget for that part yet. We're still planning for it," she said.
"What we want to happen is that it's going to be a people's space – a space for all of us to go to," added Tecson. (JPA)