• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez declared full support to the decision of Mayor Greg Gasataya to refuse the turnover of the public plaza redevelopment until the P80-million project is fully completed according to approved plans.
The declaration followed a joint onsite inspection conducted by Benitez, Gasataya, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) staff Oct. 1 to assess the progress of the plaza’s beautification and redevelopment project.
During the inspection, Benitez noted that the current condition of the landmark falls short of the original design, adding that public complaints regarding the project’s quality are justified.
He emphasized that the city government should not take ownership of an incomplete, or substandard project.
“The proposal’s design was supposed to be spectacular so it would serve as an attraction at our plaza, making people want to stroll around and spend time here again. So, I will just revisit this—maybe we will meet again together with TIEZA, the LGU, and the contractor to discuss what happened and determine what to do moving forward,” Benitez stressed, noting that the current look of the plaza is completely different from what was previously agreed on.
“Bacolodnons have every reason to complain,” Benitez added.
Following the site visit, the Bacolod leaders met with officials and contractors to address the deficiencies and outline the necessary corrective measures to meet the agreed project specifications.
“Kung ano ang gin-present kag gin-aprubahan, amo ang dapat nga natuman kag resulta nga makit-an,” the solon, who initiated the project during his stint as mayor of Bacolod, posted last night.
“Ang Bacolod public plaza, isa ka importante nga bahin sang aton syudad. Gani, dapat husto, functional, safe, manami, kag nagakabagay sa Bacolod ang proyekto,” Benitez said. “Solution kag accountability ang aton ginapangita. Kung may deviations sa ginpresentar nga plano, dapat may klaro nga explanation kag corrective action. Kaupod si Mayor Greg, aton ginpatawag ang TIEZA para maklaruhan ini — and those responsible must be held accountable.”
Aside from the plaza redevelopment, the fountain area at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds is also undergoing improvements, worth P220 million, both funded by TIEZA, with the Amigo Entertainment Technologies Construction as contractor. | TMD
