CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Members of the Pampanga Truckers and Operators Association (PTOA) lauded Monday the proposal of the Provincial Government through Board Member Nestor Tolentino for the construction of an access road dedicated for quarry truckers to be put up at the toe of the megadike.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa ating mga leader dahil ngayon lang kami narinig at napansin sa tagal ng panahon. Hindi pa namin naiisip ay inaakysiyunan na ng Kapitolyo,” Raul Aquino, an official of PTOA said.
“Kapag nagawa ito mas mapapabilis ang biyahe at maaalis na rin yung kung ano ano sinisingil sa daanan dahil minsan na lang ang pagbabayad at mismong sa probinsiya ang pasok ng kita,” Aquino said.
Tolentino, Provincial Board committee chair on environment, said the proposed 15-kilometer access road would further strengthen the quarry industry in the province.
“This would generate more income for the Provincial Government. It is even advantageous to both truckers and the communities affected by the daily transport of quarry materials along the megadike,” he said.
Tolentino likewise cited the advantages of having an access road, which include minimum right of way acquisition, less maintenance of public roads, additional protection to the megadike, faster travel time with less gasoline consumption, and zero health hazards in affected communities.
Tolentino also said that the estimated funding for the land acquisition, clearing, and gravelling of the proposed road for the truckers, would be from P30 million to P60 milion.
“Kakatulungin din natin ang mga truckers sa mabilisang paggawa sa nasabing daan sa pamamagitan pagbibigay ng filling materials sa mababang halaga,” Tolentino added.
The board member also said they would seek the technical expertise of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the programming of the comprehensive plan of the access road and the preparation of a feasibility study.