BY MAE SINGUAY
BACOLOD City — Bacolod officials are set to meet with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the contractor of the Bacolod City Public Plaza redevelopment project to review the original plans and address concerns over unfinished works, safety and possible deviations from the approved design.
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez conducted a site inspection of the project on October 2, following an earlier inspection by the city government.
“Indi amo ni ang aton gin-estoryahan. Lain ang inyo gin-propose, lain ang outcome,” Benitez said, referring to TIEZA.
“Amo ini ang akon punto: kung ano ang gin-present kag gin-aprubahan, amo ang dapat nga natuman kag resulta nga makit-an,” he added.
The TIEZA-funded projects cover the redevelopment of the Bacolod Public Plaza and improvements at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), with a combined allocation of about P300 million.
Around P80 million was allocated for the Public Plaza project, including improvements to its fountains and lighting facilities, while P220 million was earmarked for the redevelopment of the BCGC fountain.
Following his inspection, Benitez said he will meet with TIEZA personnel, Mayor Greg Gasataya and the contractor to review the original plans and discussions for the project and determine whether these were properly implemented.
“We will go back to all of the discussions we had with TIEZA and find out whether they followed our original agreement or whether there were changes,” Benitez said.
He said the plaza design had been presented from the beginning and was intended to become a major attraction where residents and visitors could spend time.
Benitez said the city government, TIEZA and the contractor would have to discuss the next steps to address the concerns.
He also expressed support for Gasataya’s position that the city should not accept the project if it has not been fully completed.
“Why would you accept it if you are not satisfied with it?” Benitez said.
Benitez stressed that the actual project should reflect the design and plans that were presented and approved.
He added that the Public Plaza is an important part of Bacolod and that its redevelopment should be proper, functional, safe, attractive and appropriate for the city.
“What we are looking for is a solution and accountability. If there are deviations from the presented plans, there should be a clear explanation and corrective action,” Benitez said.
The projects were granted by TIEZA to the local government during Benitez’s term as mayor, although implementation began last year under the present administration.
Meanwhile, Gasataya said the city government is prioritizing public safety as Bacolod celebrates the MassKara Festival, which runs from October 1 to 18.
The Public Plaza is one of the festival’s three sites, along with the BCGC and Lacson Tourism Strip.
Gasataya confirmed that he will join the meeting with Benitez and TIEZA officials regarding the commitments made on the project.
He said temporary measures are being undertaken to ensure the area is safe for festivalgoers.
City personnel have started clearing areas that can be safely accessed and have planted grass in portions of the plaza for landscaping.
Gasataya said the city initially avoided interfering with the construction because ongoing work posed potential safety risks, including exposed live electrical wires.
The mayor also said the fountain will not be operated for now because overflowing water could create slippery surfaces.
City personnel have repaired and switched on lighting fixtures that can safely be restored as the city celebrates the festival.
Gasataya said the remaining concerns will be discussed with TIEZA during the meeting.
On September 30, Gasataya sent a letter to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid seeking immediate intervention on the Heritage Plaza redevelopment project.
“While we eagerly anticipated utilizing the plaza for the impending MassKara period, I was disheartened by what I observed during my visit, along with the technical evaluations,” Gasataya said in the letter.
The mayor cited several concerns identified during a city inspection, including drainage failures, surface ponding, unsecured nozzles, missing float valves and nonfunctional lighting.
The letter also cited unfinished installations, deteriorated and protruding manholes, and control sequences that had not yet been demonstrated.
Gasataya said these conditions needed immediate attention, particularly with the plaza expected to accommodate large crowds during the MassKara Festival.
The meeting between the city government and TIEZA is expected to focus on the project’s compliance with the original plans, outstanding works, safety concerns and possible corrective measures./PN
Caption:
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez, Mayor Greg Gasataya, and City Engineer Lobel Rafael Ceballos inspect the P80-million Heritage Plaza redevelopment project at the Bacolod Public Plaza on Thursday, October 1. ALBEE BENITEZ FB PHOTO
