19 city skywalks sans OBO permits

The officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways have not yet secured a permit from the Office of the Building Officials for a skywalk that they started constructing along Imus Avenue in barangay Day-as last week.

Annabel Bacalso of the Office of the Building Officials said there is no record in their office about the construction of a skywalk along Imus Avenue as well as 18 other skywalks constructed in different parts of the city.

A staff of DPWH district engineer for Cebu City Nicomedes Leonor, also confirmed that their office did not apply for a building permit, saying the project was initiated by Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar.

Councilor Edgardo Labella, who heads the city council committee on laws, said the DPWH is not exempted from securing business permits for their construction projects.

The city council has also been informed that while the DPWH is constructing a skywalk in barangay Day-as to ensure the safety of those persons who will cross the busy avenue, the skywalk is diminishing the sidewalk of Imus Avenue.

The design of the skywalk is so that its staircases cut off part of the sidewalks on both sides of the road.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama led the City Council in asking the DPWH officials to temporarily suspend the construction of the project, but the construction workers were still working on it as of yesterday because they have not received orders to stop.

The P4-million skywalk is intended to prevent accidents in the place – particularly the students of the nearby Zapatera Elementary School who frequently pass the busy intersections of Imus Avenue and Sikatuna Street.

Day-as barangay captain Michael Ocleasa said he was compelled to ask Del Mar to fund the construction of a flyover after several accidents in that place.  — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP