Magpale, Capitol Execs Push for Implementation of Trans-Axial Highway
If the Cebu Trans-Axial Highway Development Project (CTDP) would become a reality, key officials of the Cebu Provincial Government believed the project would largely benefit the tourism industry, farmers and towns outside of Metro Cebu aside from solving traffic problems.
“It’s not too late. If implemented, this would definitely solve our traffic problems,” said Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes A. Magpale.
The vice governor noted that tourism is one of the bigger drivers of Cebu’s economy and the trans-axial highway would reduce the travel time of tourists from north to south, making their movement more convenient.
The transport of fresh farm products will also be faster and easier, she added.
Magpale was among the Capitol officials, including former Provincial Board member and now consultant Grecilda Sanchez and Engr. Edgar Sibonga, who were invited to provide updates of the CTDP during the weekly Kapihan sa PIA on Wednesday.
Image source: http://www.cebu.gov.ph
Sanchez observed that the development is more concentrated on the towns and cities in Metro Cebu, and spaces in these areas for investments will soon be inadequate.
“We all know that our highways in Metro Cebu are congested. We are becoming like EDSA where vehicular traffic is a headache. In Cebu City, Mandaue City, and even in the south like Talisay City and Minglanilla, to name a few,” Sanchez said.
“And each day, we are losing millions because of this problem. Years ago, the Province came up with the solution the trans-axial highway,” she added.
With easy access through the trans-axial highway, Sanchez said more companies would be enticed to invest in the countryside, opening up more job opportunities to the people.
“This highway will not only solve the traffic woes, it is also seen to spur development in other towns and cities as far-flung areas of the province will only need to connect this highway to send their products to the markets or welcome tourists,” Sanchez pointed out.
While the Provincial Government fully supports the project, Sanchez and Magpale said backing from the National Government is needed as its implementation requires huge budget.
Image source: http://www.cebu.gov.ph
Engr. Sibonga said the value of the project in 2007 when they conducted the pre-feasibility study stood at P55 billion. It cost P80 billion in 2013 and P120 billion if it would be implemented today, he added.
A full blown feasibility is yet to be conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) after Capitol endorsed its pre-feasibility study three years ago.
The three Capitol officials called on all chief executives in towns and cities, as well as Cebu’s lawmakers to rally around for the realization of the highway since the project stands to benefit many Cebuanos.
The CTDP is a four-lane highway that stretches to 300 kilometers and will traverse on the central axis of mainland Cebu from Daanbantayan in the north towards Santander in the south.
The development road was first envisioned by former governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña during his term in 1988 to 1992 and was later championed by the late vice governor Greg Sanchez, the father of Grecilda.
If the CTDP would be funded by a private investor, the company will manage the highway for 25 years reckoned after the four-year development and construction period. (CEBU PROVINCIAL GOV’T PR)
