BACOLOD City – The city government will make sure that there will be no informal settlers on the P40-million walkway located along the banks of Lupit River in this capital city, according to Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
The city government and the Gonzaga family – the donor of the lot where the walkway is being built – are working on a memorandum of agreement including policies that will cover operations in the esplanade.
Gina Piccio, the spokeswoman of the Gonzaga family, said they are worried that some vendors may put up structures on the walkway when it is finished.
But Leonardia stressed that the city government will strictly impose a “no squatting” policy in the area.
The esplanade is seen to boost the tourism industry of Bacolod, as it would attract domestic and foreign tourists.
City District Engineer Abraham Villareal said the walkway will be completed before the MassKara Festival in October.
Leonardia said the esplanade will rival its counterpart in Iloilo City./PN
