BAGUIO CITY December 08 – The city government will embark on widening barangay roads to serve as alternate routes going to and from the city while working out funding for the construction of outer circumferential roads interconnecting the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) areas to effectively and efficiently address the worsening traffic everywhere.
Because of the rapid growth in the number of motor vehicles flocking daily in the city proper, there is an urgent need for motorists to cooperate in the strict implementation of the city’s no-parking and anti-obstruction policy, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said, admitting that the local government can only implement minimal traffic intervention.
“We are aware that the government is inclined to implement major infrastructure projects that will significantly reduce the travel time from the lowlands to the city that is why we expect the influx of more visitors in the future. The city must be ready to address the expected traffic jams that will happen,” Domogan stressed.
He added, among the projects to be implemented next year is the widening of several city barangay roads that serve as alternate routes going to and from the central business district.
According to him the completion of the interior circumferential road has allowed varied routes going to and from the western part of the city in Irisan and its eastern part in Happy Hallow.
Domogan claimed the priority of the BLISTT Governing Council is for the completion of the outer circumferential road that will interconnect the city with the neighboring towns of Benguet to help boost the tourism industry of nearby localities considering there are numerous scenic places which can be visited there.
Domogan emphasized the realization of the Metro Baguio growth development will be a major factor in helping improve the development of the surrounding towns of Benguet and having a BLISTT comprehensive development plan will guarantee better economic opportunities in these areas.
Part of the initiatives being undertaken by private higher education institutions located in the central business district is the establishment of their respective campuses outside the city proper to help in expanding development opportunities to potential growth areas not only within the city but also in the BLISTT towns.
He expressed gratitude to the local officials of the neighboring towns for their support and initiatives to help in the realization of the BLISTT development concept that will result in the improvement of their respective localities once implementation of the plan is in full swing.** By Dexter A. See
