Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Vice governor wants to keep 11 consultants
CAPITOL has spent more than P12 million for highway and water works of the proposed construction of the Cebu Trans-Axial Development Project.
Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. asked members of the Cebu Provincial Board during a presentation yesterday to help him pursue what he described as an “ambitious but viable” highway project. He said the project will give Cebuanos a “better life.”
Sanchez also asked the Provincial Board to pass a resolution requesting Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to retain the services of 11 highway consultants whose services were terminated yesterday.
He said the total highway expenditures so far, amounting to P12, 233,460.78, were spent for “highway and water” works.
In 2005, the provincial government allotted about P15-million; P10-million for the trans-axial highway and P5-million for water work.
Sanchez said that they have a balance of about P2, 766,539.22.
The proposed highway project covers the construction of a 300-kilometer four-lane highway that will traverse Daanbantayan to Santander and will also have water, power and agricultural components.
The acquisition of road right-of-way is projected to cost P440 million, while the construction and widening of the trans-axial highway will require P6.11 billion.
Sanchez presented to the board the highway’s terms of reference, prequalification and bids documents, pre-feasibility study and detailed survey.
In his presentation, Sanchez cited the economic concentration in Cebu, which he said poses two serious concerns. This includes the limited water resources and suitable land resources in Cebu, which Sanchez said could limit the future growth potential of the Province. He also pointed out the “unbalanced growth” that has left behind communities least accessible to Cebu because of the distance or the physical barrier imposed by mountainous terrain.
In pushing for the highway project, Sanchez said it will provide access to water, power and land resources in the Province.
Sanchez added that the highway project will also improve access to basic services and development opportunities. It will also equalize opportunities for residents. He said it will also help reduce the incidence of poverty.
Sanchez said the project will also disperse development to the countryside and provide Innovative Revenue Generation (IRG) for the province. He also said it will open new areas for socio-economic development.
The highway consultants Sanchez want retained include Edgar Sibonga, highway project consultant on infrastructure; Rogelio Vergara, development planning; Leonor Salazar Jr., highway; Eduardo Walag, water works; Rafael Seva Jr., wind farm; Yuleta Ruiz Orillo, economist; Philip Joy Rizardo, agro-environmental; Rolando D’Lonsod Go, agro-environmental; Marcos Pesons Jr., architectural; and Elsa Sasan, monitoring head. (GMD)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (April 31, 2008 issue)
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