The feasibility study for the proposed seaside boardwalk dubbed Panglao Island Sunset View Boulevard in the resort town of Panglao is expected to start this week, said the municipality’s mayor.

According to Mayor Leonila Montero, feasibility study for the structure in Barangay Poblacion which will serve as docking area for pumpboats and house various amenities will take about three months.

Study on the proposed multi-million project will be paid for completely by a private investor, said Montero.

Earlier today, a memorandum of agreement among the Panglao government, China-based investor Shenzhen Shekou Dahua Property Development Company and project manager Asparas Group Limited was signed by the said organizations’ respective representatives.

According to Montero, the initiative was started in a bid to decongest the shores of the town’s central segment, particularly Alona Beach, which serves as mooring and loading site for a slew of pumpboats.

However, the feasibility study will still have to determine if the project will be safe for the environment and if it will improve the operation system of motorized bancas and other vessels which cater to tourists.

Should the project be implemented, the boardwalk will serve as entrance and exit for all motorboats which will ferry tourists to diving, dolphin watching and snorkeling spots and to islets off mainland Panglao.

The problem on boat congestion in waters off Panglao’s white beaches which teem with tourists has long been drawing flak and criticism from foreigners and locals alike. (Allen Doydora)