An access road in Iloilo City is not yet of service because of a locked gate.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas announced last August 4, 2025, through her social media account, the completion of the rehabilitation of an access road worth over P21 million.

The access road is from Barangay Balabago in Jaro District to Barangay Banuyao in La Paz District.

The access road should have been an alternative road to avoid traffic woes.

However, according to residents who often pass through the area, the access road is not yet of service because of a locked gate, much to the dismay of motorists.

A few residents surmised that the homeowners association of a subdivision in the area ordered the padlocking of the gate.

According to Barangay Balabago Chairman Antonio Jacoba, he has no idea as to the person who could have ordered the locking of the gate, but he is wary that the road could be possibly used by unscrupulous individuals in carrying out illegal activities.

“Safety sa subdivision. At ang iba, sabi naman nila for their own convenience pero kung makapasok kasi sa subdivision delikado at may krimen na mangyayari,” Jacoba said.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (ICTTMO) said that they are on continuous coordination with the barangay and the homeowner associations which has hampered the opening of the access road to the public.

“Establish pa ang screening areas at guard house. Establish ng pedestrian at vehicle, screening areas. Dalawang homeowners at ang barangay. Pero later on, i-open natin iyan for access,” said Uldarico Garbanzos, head of ICTTMO.