• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has revised the target completion date for the redevelopment of the public plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) fountain to January 27.
TIEZA also said that due to additional works and site requirements, the overall contract cost has increased, from P299.9 million to P328 million.
The plaza and BCGC fountain redevelopment projects were originally set for completion and turnover to the city government last month.
In a letter to Mayor Greg Gasataya dated Sept. 30, TIEZA Architectural and Engineering Sector assistant chief operating officer, Engr. Gregory Oller, explained that work suspensions, inclement weather, and environmental compliance requirements caused delays in the twin projects.
He added that the cost escalation covers typhoon repairs, structural upgrades, power supply improvements, landscaping, and revised fountain control room designs.
TIEZA also noted that delays occurred during the city government’s review and approval of certain technical revisions.
“Rest assured that TIEZA remains committed to completing the projects in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, applicable standards, and the expectations of the City Government of Bacolod,” Oller told Gasataya.
Despite the January 2027 revised timeline, TIEZA said it is still striving to complete the projects within 2026.
Meanwhile, the temporary fences around the BCGC fountain area have been removed ahead of the MassKara Festival highlights.
Gasataya clarified that although the board-ups were taken down to allow festival activities, the fountain remains non-operational as its re-development is not yet complete. | TMD
