THE completed new terminal for fastcraft and roll-on-roll-off (roro) vessels will be inaugurated on September 5 at Barangay Progreso, Lapuz in Iloilo City, said Senate President Franklin Drilon after the project’s dry run last August 15.
The more than P200-million project was put up by the National Government, particularly the Philippine Port Authority (PPA), in a move to decongest the Muelle Loney side of the Iloilo River wharf and clean the river.
Drilon said the long dream project includes the construction of berthing facilities, construction of passenger terminal building, site development and dredging of berthing area at a design depth.
Additional works are being rushed to beat the deadline. These include landscaping and greening to be completed by August 31 at the cost of P0.92 million; repair of apron such as concreting of curbs and gutter, path walk, drainage and streetlights costing P13.1 million; additional facilities and amenities such as electrical system, tower lights, street lights, water supply system, elevate water tank, reservoir, powerhouse and pumphouse costing P13 million; and the clearing and demolition of structures along the river wharf at Muelle Loney amounting P3.2 million.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the new terminal for fastcrafts and roro will provide easy access and safe and comfortable sea travel for passengers going to Bacolod in Negros Occidental, Palawan and Cagayancillo.
The cleared Muelle Loney side will enhance the beauty and utility of the Iloilo River as a place for various water sports and cruises. It will also attract long line fishermen to catch their daily fare at the river with no distractions from sea vessels, Mabilog added. (LCP)