NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he believes the construction of a bridge that will connect the province to the islands of Panay and Guimaras will not happen this year yet.

While Marañon considered money as a big factor to mobilize the project, he noted that the multi-million infrastructure project entails a detailed engineering study.

“If there is money, it will be a reality this year, but engineering and feasibility studies usually take two years to finish,” he said.

The governor also pointed out other factors that may put on hold the start of the construction such as the boring tests and the bidding process for the contractors.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said during his last month’s visit in Bacolod City that the full feasibility study for the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge has started in 2017 while preparatory works is set to start early this year.

The bridges that will connect the Visayas islands are one of the priority projects of the Duterte administration to decongest Manila and disperse development in the regions.