It’s curious how Roxas Boulevard has a magnificent view of Manila Bay and yet no one bothers to renovate it and make it look pretty or add bike pathways. But that may soon change as several groups have joined together to improve the look of the area from Rizal Park to the Manila Yacht Club.
The news was shared by Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook, who said:
Roxas Boulevard’s makeover is generally complete – at least for this initial section from Rizal Park to the Manila Yacht Club. The yacht club has agreed to the remaining section’s improvement until the CCP (which already agreed to the connection too). These improvements – on both sides of the boulevard includes the bay walk promenade, bike and pedestrian corridors segregated from traffic, a rationalised land side service road, parking and wide pedestrian pathway. The serrated planter boxes are designed as energy dissipators for storm surges and host salt-tolerant planting.
Now the question that remains is, who will care for the improvements?
The problem is who is to maintain these improvements now? We suggested that the responsibility and funds be extended to the Rizal Park NPDC, since this is essentially a parkway and an extension of the park. Manila claims limited financial capacity and, judging by the state of their public spaces, they have precious little capacity to maintain anything. Unfortunately too, informal kiosks have already sprouted and the Manila government may also start giving licenses for all manner of al fresco restaurants, bars or beer joints.
What else can be done to improve Roxas Boulevard? Share your ideas below!
