RDC pushes feasibility study for Cebu Trans-axial highway
The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 yesterday asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fund a feasibility study for the Cebu Trans-Axial Highway Project that has been proposed since 2007.
Aside from looking at the its technical and financial viability, the study has to consider the impact of road system that may traverse several watershed areas and critical ecosystems.
“The proposed highway will complement the projected high urban growth and intensive land-use development along coastal areas in the province over the next 30 years,” said Emmanuel Rabacal, chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the RDC in Central Visayas.
The RDC presided by Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto passed a resolution asking DPWH to fund the road project’s feasibility study.
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III sits as RDC co-chairman.
The proposed 280-kilometer highway would connect Daanbantayan town in Cebu’s northern tip to Santander town in the south.
It was first proposed during the term of governor Emilio Osmeña and was later championed by the late vice governor Gregoria Sanchez Jr. .
The cost was estimated at P46.31 billion in 2007 and increased to P93.72 billion in 2014.
A feasibility study would look into its construction, operation and maintenance requirements, financial and economic analysis, environmental impact especially on watershed areas, social soundness, and financing mode such as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
RDC members, who gathered in Cebu City for their fourth quarter meeting, also passed two resolutions seeking support for Cebu projects.
One endorses the Cebu International Container Port Project proposed in barangay Tayud in Consolacion town for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding.
The por project estimated to cost about P9.14 billion is expected ease congestion at the Cebu International Port.
The 25-hectare facility will be designed to accommodate up to 350,000 units of twenty-foot container vans.
A second resolution asks the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit System that would ply the Cebu City – Mactan Cebu International Airport route.
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