THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) has approved on July 27 the change in scope and cost of the construction of the Davao City Bypass Road.
To be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the project cost was changed from P16.8 billion to P25.8 billion, which covers the changes in scope, foreign exchange rate, cost of civil works, and consulting services.
The scope of the project changed from a two-lane road and main tunnel, two-stage implementation scheme, to a four-lane road and main tunnel, single-stage implementation scheme.
According to the DPWH, the 44.6 kilometer bypass road will start from Davao-Digos section of the Pan Philippine Highway in Toril, Davao City and will end at the Davao-Agusan National Highway in Panabo City.
Construction is targeted to begin on April 2019 and be completed on 2022.
The Davao City Bypass Road was among the three regional projects that the Neda Board ICC-CabCom has approved for changes.
Aside from the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, Neda said changes in scope and cost were also discussed for Panguil Bay Bridge Project and Flood Risk Management Project in Cagayan River, Tagoloan River, and Imus River.
“The ICC and the whole of government is steadfast in sustaining these regions’ growth momentum. These improvements in the projects reflect this commitment,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Co-Chair of the ICC.
Pernia added that regional projects provide interconnectivity and facilitate exchange of goods and services, besides people.