By Mae Singuay

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez will coordinate with the Sangguniang Panlungsod in reclaiming sidewalks from obstructions, particularly in the downtown area.

Benitez observed that some public utility jeepneys were avoiding obstructing structures and parked vehicles along the road.

“I will talk with the city council regarding road clearing because we will entertain proposals to allow areas for parking, but they will have to pay,” Benitez said.

“We will also identify areas where there is no parking at all. This is to find ways to recover sidewalks that are non-existent anymore due to illegal structures,” he added.

Meanwhile, Benitez said the city government is now finalizing the implementation of the underground cabling.

“This is a joint venture agreement where the private firm will put up the money and the city government will only have to get its share,” he said.

Once the agreement is signed, underground cabling will start on Lacson Street.

BTAO clamps 29 motorcycles

The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) clamped 29 motorcycle units for illegal parking and obstruction yesterday.

BTAO deputy officer-in-charge Jose Antonio Robello, said the motorcycles were apprehended after they received several complaints against the motorcycle dealer.

Robello said the sidewalk was utilized as the establishment’s motorcycle display area along Araneta Street.

He said parents are concerned about their students’ safety while passing along the road going to school.

Robello said the business establishment ignored their warning several times.

The establishment has to pay a total of P29,000 in penalties for violating the city’s clamping and illegal parking ordinance./MS, WDJ