Manila plans to develop Pasig River bank areas

After reviving plazas, playgrounds and other public places in the city, the Manila government is now targeting areas beside the Pasig River such as the San Nicolas area in Binondo on the north bank and the area behind the Bureau of Immigration building on the south bank of the river for redevelopment.

"We want to transform San Nicolas and the area on the other side of the Pasig River into something similar to Clark Quay in Singapore which has open-air cafes, restaurants and shopping stalls. We believe that it has a very high potential as a tourist destination," Atienza said.

It will be recalled that in the past weeks, the south bank of the Pasig River behind the Bureau of Immigration building has been cleared of trucks loading and unloading cargo from barges after Atienza put a stop to the arrastre operations in the area.

He has likewise ordered the City Engineer’s Office to rehabilitate the roads in San Nicolas such as Muelle de la Industria on the other side of the river.

Atienza also said that owners of properties in San Nicolas are already excited over the impending redevelopment of the said area.

"What we intend to do is to provide the vision and framework of development for the said areas from which the private sector can take its cue. This strategy has been proven effective in other areas we have redeveloped such as Malate and Plaza Miranda to name a few," Atienza explained, adding that the city government would also provide basic infrastructure such as lighting to make it more attractive to potential investors.

He also pointed out that developed cities in other parts of the world that have bodies of watersuch as rivers take advantage of this unique resource and have developed the areas beside them into prime tourism and entertainment spots.