Thursday, December 28, 2006 Plan to build new international port put on hold
THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has set aside plans to build a multi-billion-peso international port in Liloan. The project is not feasible within 10 years, based on the study on the movement of foreign cargoes.
CPA General Manager Angelo Verdan said the Cebu International Port (CIP) can still accommodate foreign cargoes for the next decade.
Pushing through with the project will only mean added expenses the CPA can ill afford, he said.
Focus
Verdan said they will instead focus on modernizing existing ports in the province. Part of the action will be the total relocation of all squatters within the vicinity of the CPA zone.
Experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) recommended the northern town of Liloan as the site for an international port during the time of then CPA general manager Jose Jake Marques and then CPA alternate chairman Alfonso Cusi.
Jica reportedly spent P3.8 million for the study.
During the turnover of the Jica study report in January 2002, Marques and Cusi said Cebu needs a modern international port that can accommodate bigger ocean-going vessels, which the CIP cannot handle.
Not necessary
Before Marques was replaced in September that year, he sought clearance from the National Economic Development Authority and the Department of Transportation and Communication to apply for a P6.9-billion loan with Jica for the project.
But Marques’ successor, Mariano C.J. Martinez said the CPA should not borrow money to build a multi-billion-peso port when it cannot use it within 10 years because of the existing CIP.
The CIP serves about 60 to 70 percent of existing berthing capacity and all foreign vessels are being accommodated upon arrival.
Verdan said there’s a need to maximize the use of the berthing capacity of CIP. (EOB)
