By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has urged the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) to fast-track the completion of the renovation works at the Bacolod Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center’s (BCGC) water fountain.

Gasataya said he will hold a dialogue and meeting with Tieza this month to discuss the completion of the said projects.

“For them [Tieza], there’s no sense of urgency. The project should be completed last year,” Gasataya added.

The mayor said he was informed last week that the renovation will be completed soon.

Tieza earlier allocated at least P300 million for the improvements at both sites.

They started the improvements in March 2025.

Of the total amount, P80 million has been allocated for the enhancement of the plaza’s fountains, comfort rooms and lighting fixtures.

At least P220 million is earmarked for the BCGC fountain.

However, Tieza said the power connection at the fountain is not included in their contract.

Tieza has suggested requesting additional funds for the power supply.

Gasataya pointed out that the power connection from BCGC is not enough to support the fountain’s operation.

He stressed that it’s the obligation of the contractor to determine all their needs for the implementation of the project.

Earlier, the city government said the BCGC fountain will be upgraded with lights and music.

It will also feature a draining mechanism to accommodate large events — similar to fountain designs in Singapore, the United States and Europe./MAP, WDJ