Tomas opposes demolition of skywalks

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña is not amenable to the plan of Mayor Michael Rama to demolish some skywalks in the city.

Osmeña admitted, though, that it’s true some people do not like to use the skywalks and that these are also difficult for the elderly persons or those who are carrying heavy things.

There was even a time that Osmeña asked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor to look into the possibility of re-designing the stairs of the skywalks for an easy climb.

Osmeña explained that redesigning the skywalk’s stairs may mean additional expense for the government, but this is the only way to encourage people to use them.

The are skywalks in V. Rama Avenue, Katipunan Street, Gorordo Avenue, Imus Street, Don Mariano Cuenco Avenue in Banilad, Panganiban Street in Pahina Central, Fuente Osmeña, Escario Street and two in Osmeña Boulevard.

Some parents, in sending their children to school, just walk under the skywalk in front of the school. Children, some of them age seven and eight, could not easily climb the steep stairs while carrying their backpacks full of books and notebooks. (FREEMAN)