Developing Burnham Park

EDITORIAL

Oftentimes, conflicting government laws or policies have led to conflicts in implementation of projects or to the detriment of the populace not to mention waste of public funds.

           

Take the case of Burnham Park in Baguio City. Some officials are now questioning and want an inquiry on the planned construction of a bridge traversing Gov. Pack Road near the BGH flyover to Kisad Road.

           

Officials are saying there should have been public consultations before the project was approved by the Department of Public Works and Highways and  its funds allocated. Councilor Elmer Datuin has filed a resolution with the city council Wednesday  seeking an inquiry on the matter to include the ongoing fencing project at Burnham.

           

Datuin said the fencing project within the periphery of the said park costs P26,000,000 and is about to be “completed.” But several spans within the site have not been constructed when this was for beautification and security of visitors and locals.

           

He said there was a need to know why several areas have not been fenced. It was reportedly the DPWH which was tasked to design and bid out the project and thus the government agency should be the one to explain the purpose of such design.

           

At the BGH flyover area certain spans were left unfenced and this was true with some spans along Kisad Road. Contractors of the project have allegedly announced that the DPWH will construct the bridge traversing the said areas.

           

A master development plan had been earlier made by the city government for the area. Will the DPWH just ram down its project and disregard the city government plan?

           

It is high time public officials coordinate and hold public consultations with the people particularly on expensive and high impact projects so these could be properly done without waste of public money.