STARTING today, the Plaza Sugbu area fronting Cebu City Hall will be a no parking zone.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he wanted the area cleared of vehicles and be used exclusively as a plaza or an area where people can freely promenade. He said clearing the area of obstructions will also make it easy for police to spot criminals preying on people.
The no parking policy was tested during the nine-day novena Masses in preparation for the Sto. Niño feast earlier this year.
Rama allowed the use of the Plaza Sugbu as an extension of the basilica grounds to accommodate church goers.
He had the area cleared of vehicles and other obstructions and placed plastic chairs there. “The no parking policy is a recommendation of the Parks and Playgrounds Commission which I agree with because that’s a tourism area,” the mayor said.
Rama said parking slots in front of the City Hall legislative building will be reserved for city officials. Visitors will be directed to park their vehicles at the back of the senior citizens park.
“If you want to park, not in front of the Legislative Building because that will also be a security problem,” he said.
He also gave instructions to Councilor Dave Tumulak to review the placement of security cameras at the City Hall legislative building.
Rama said he wanted some of the security cameras transfered outside of the building. Correspondent Edison delos Angeles