Councilor Jason Villarosa, chairperson of the City Council committee on tourism, said they temporarily closed the Esplanade after they were informed that some residents have placed their clotheslines in the area.
He said Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez already ordered Primitivo Tabujara, head of the Public Order and Safety Office (Poso), to secure the area.
“We want to secure the safety of our residents as well as to maintain the good image of the Esplanade. Poso guards will be assigned in the area,” he added.
Esplanade, which was constructed in 2019, is a long open, level area, typically beside a sea or river, where people may walk for pleasure.
Villarosa stressed that the city government will talk with the owner of the property to develop the area into a marketplace or night market.
The Gonzaga family donated the property where the Bacolod City Government Center stands.
The Bacolod City Esplanade is situated beside the government center, where the property adjoining the esplanade is also owned by the Gonzagas.
The Esplanade project was constructed with a flood wall, benches, railings, lighting facilities, and blocks to make the area more attractive.
The half-kilometer Esplanade project has a total budget of P37 million.
Villarosa disclosed that they are now preparing the design so the city can allot a budget for the project.