The local government unit of Tagbilaran City is still considering the construction of skywalks and footbridges in key areas in the city as part of efforts to decongest traffic, said a City Hall official.

According to Tagbilaran City Administrator Leonides Borja, the city’s engineering department is particularly considering the construction of skywalks that would connect malls in the downtown area.

“I-connect nato ning mga existing building—kaning BQ, City Square ug Alturas aron dretso-dretso na ang mga taw, di na mo agi sa kalsada. At least ma reduce atong traffic sa pedestrian sa klasada,” Borja said.

However, Borja noted that the proposal is still under discussion as the City Council has also not yet passed an ordinance allowing the construction.

The matter on who will pay for the project which will connect private establishments such as malls will still also be discussed.

“Gi-consider pud kung kinsa ang mo gasto pag-construct sa skywalk labina na part of the building sa mga malls ato gyud ng ablihan para makasumapay sa next building,” he said.

The City Hall official also raised concern over pedestrians not using the footbridges, given that most of the city’s streets are narrow and easy to cross.

This could force the city to enclose sidewalks with fences, Borja said.

“Practical kayo ang skywalk labina sa mga lapad na kalsada. Pero og mubo, mo tapul gihapon ning mga taw. Sayang. Dako’g gasto unya mga taw, tungod kay mubo ra, mo agi lang gihapon sa kalsada,” he added.

In the past months, City Hall has been trying to come up with measures to address the city’s worsening traffic conditions.

Traffic authorities are particularly concerned over congestion in the city’s two arteries, CPG Ave. and Gallares Street, while the situation is projected to worsen when classes resume in June. (Allen Doydora)