Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Funding woes may delay Lapu reclamation project
LAPU-LAPU City officials admitted that because of funding problems, the proposed 400-hectare Mactan North Reclamation and Development Project many not be realized until the end of their term in 2010.
Vice Mayor Mario Amores said they might not be able to realize the project because of the huge funding needed for it. The project is estimated to cost over P10 billion.
“But at least we have started it,” he said.
Mayor Arturo Radaza, who is on his third and last term, also told Sun.Star Cebu last November that at least he laid the foundation for the project and it is now up to the next mayor to finish it.
But after last Sunday’s re-enactment of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan,” Radaza said he might have the project implemented through build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme.
Agreement
The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the city signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that binds PRA to provide technical assistance during project implementation and for the city to start it when able.
Amores said the MOA signing that preceded the reenactment was just a formality because PRA had approved the project’s feasibility study, which cost the city over P6 million, last year.
He said President Arroyo was pleased with the proposed project when they presented the feasibility study to her during last year’s “Kadaugan sa Mactan.”
But PRA general manager and executive officer Andrea Domingo told Sun.Star Cebu that if the project pushes through, the land title will be in the name of the National Government.
“Lapu-Lapu takes ownership of the reclamation only when we convey it to them,” she said. She said they expect the project to be completed in five to seven years.
The 400-hectare reclamation will form a small islet covering the offshore land of adjacent Barangays Ibo, Buaya, Mactan and Punta Engano. Three bridges will connect the islet to the mainland.
An environmental compliance certificate (ECC) was granted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for the project in September last year after the completion of the environmental impact study, which cost the city P2.8 million. (AIV)
