A COUNCILOR passed a resolution on Tuesday requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways XI to construct a pedestrian overpass in front of the Panacan Public Market to prevent a repeat of a tragedy that killed a pedestrian last week.
In his privileged speech on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Councilor Ralph Abella said the 59-year-old midwife died after she was run over by a trailer truck while crossing the busy highway on Aug. 29.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old driver was taken into police custody.
“Panacan is so busy, especially in the market. If we do not convince the DPWH to put up a pedestrian, daghan pag ma disgrasya,” Abella stressed.
Councilor Doce Apostol, a long-time barangay chairman of Panacan, in the resolution said there is a need for pedestrian safety intervention following the vehicular incident.
Apostol said the Panacan Public Market is considered a major trading hub in the city where thousands of residents, vendors, and commuters cross the national highway daily to purchase food and other essentials.
“An elevated pedestrian overpass with accessible ramps is deemed the most appropriate infrastructure solution for Panacan,” Apostol said, stressing the need to provide inclusive access for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and vendors carrying goods.
“The construction of a pedestrian overpass will not only save lives but will also improve traffic flow by directing pedestrian crossings to a designated safe facility, thereby contributing to overall public welfare and order,” the resolution added.
