The construction of a multimillion-peso pedestrian skywalk in Lapu-Lapu City has hit another major roadblock, failing to meet its latest target completion date. This further prolongs the wait for a project initially intended to be finished over a year ago.
Project Timeline and Repeated Setbacks
The P14.6 million skywalk project in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, was originally scheduled for completion within 188 calendar days. Work commenced on February 14, 2024, with a deadline set for November 17, 2024. However, the project has been plagued by a series of interruptions from the very beginning.
Initial construction was suspended multiple times due to unresolved issues concerning overhead power lines and necessary road right-of-way clearances. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 6th District Engineering Office acknowledged these early obstacles, citing the need for coordination with utility providers and affected stakeholders before work could proceed.
Even after the contractor, GSixty Construction Services, resumed work following the resolution of these issues, the project still failed to meet the November 2024 deadline. It subsequently missed a series of revised timelines that followed.
New Promise and Official Warnings
Despite the latest delay past a November 2025 target, a new commitment has been made. Lone District Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan informed reporters on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that the contractor has pledged to complete the skywalk within the current month of December.
Chan explained that based on a recent inspection he conducted with project engineers, the steel structure's roof has already been installed. He also revealed that the Lapu-Lapu City government has previously called the DPWH's attention to the project, especially when it was suspended due to the power line and right-of-way concerns.
The congressman emphasized that timely completion is a contractual obligation. He issued a clear warning that failure to meet the scheduled deadline would result in deductions and the imposition of fines on the contractor.
Jurisdiction and Accountability
Chan clarified the limits of the local government's role in the project. He stated that the city's function is primarily to follow up on progress, as the DPWH holds full authority over its implementation.
This authority encompasses all critical aspects, including payments, inspections, suspension orders, and the enforcement of penalties for non-compliance. The statement underscores the national agency's ultimate responsibility for ensuring the project's delivery, despite the direct impact on the local community.
The ongoing delays of the Barangay Ibo skywalk highlight the challenges in public infrastructure projects, where coordination between multiple agencies and contractors is crucial. Residents and officials now await to see if the latest December 2025 promise will finally be fulfilled.
