By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he is awaiting the formal takeover of the P2.261-billion Iloilo River North Bank Road, also known as Sunset Boulevard, following concerns over piled-up garbage and unregulated parking.
“I am now seeking the authority from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the formal turnover, while the City Engineer’s Office will conduct a thorough inspection,” Treñas said on Thursday, Jan. 30, after meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways-Western Visayas (DPWH-6).
The 5-kilometer, four-lane road project faced issues with garbage accumulation, illegal on-road parking, and drinking in parked vehicles just days after its full opening on Jan. 24.
Treñas emphasized that the partial turnover of Sunset Boulevard to the city is a crucial step in improving public spaces for the benefit of all Ilonggos.
He assured residents that immediate measures would be taken to maintain cleanliness, safety, and convenience for both locals and tourists.
Once authority is granted, Treñas said the city government will install comfort rooms, garbage bins, benches, and CCTV cameras.
Sweepers will be deployed to maintain cleanliness, while green guards and law enforcement personnel will be stationed to ensure security.
“To help maintain order, we will set rules and guidelines, including policies on anti-littering, alcohol consumption, and activity management in the area,” he added.
To preserve the boulevard’s intended design, all future developments will be consulted with and approved by Architect Paulo Alcazaren, the visionary behind the project.
Meanwhile, the local government of Oton, which also has jurisdiction over parts of the boulevard, is working closely with the Iloilo City General Services Office to align initiatives.
The road stretches from Molo-Mandurriao Road, intersects the Iloilo Circumferential Road, and ends at Oton-Pakiad-Mandurriao Road in Cagbang, Oton, providing a direct link to Tigbauan, Iloilo.
The DPWH-6 previously admitted that the project lacks maintenance funds, leaving the area unclean and without security measures.
Although already open to vehicular traffic, the project remains unfinished, with ongoing roadworks in Oton and three viewing decks still under construction.
The DPWH-6, Iloilo City government, and the local government of Oton met on Thursday to discuss ways to preserve the area’s natural beauty while addressing infrastructure, environmental, and safety concerns.
