By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The city government of Iloilo has allocated approximately ₱4.1 million for the installation of a roof on the pedestrian overpass along Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue, commonly known as Diversion Road, in the Mandurriao district.
The allocation follows the reversion of funds from the 2024 Annual Investment Plan, where unutilized funds were redirected to priority projects.
The Iloilo City Development Council, chaired by Mayor Jerry Treñas, passed a resolution to this effect, which the City Council approved on Wednesday, August 28.
The funds for the overpass roof will be sourced from the savings and balances of the 20 percent Development Fund for the calendar years 2022 and 2023.
The overpass, originally constructed in 2015 at a cost of ₱20 million, included the installation of two elevators for use by senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
However, these elevators have fallen into disrepair due to lack of use, prompting the city to allocate ₱5.1 million last year for the purchase of a new elevator.
The City Engineer’s Office is expected to finalize the plans and conduct a bidding process before the roofing project on the overpass begins.
The project is anticipated to start later this year, alongside the installation of additional lighting to enhance safety and usability.
In July of last year, Treñas expressed plans to install a roof and repair the flooring of the overpass.
