Proposed port is next big-ticket infra project in Cebu

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the proposed new Cebu International Port will be the next big-ticket infrastructure project that will be rolled out in Central Visayas region.

Efren Carreon, NEDA regional director, said the feasibility study for the new port was completed in the third quarter of this year.

Based on the study, the project will need a budget of about P1 billion.

If the new Cebu port project will push through, then the Cebu City port (background) will be exclusively for ferries while the new port will be used as a drop-off site for cargoes.

The study is being reviewed and evaluated by the Department of Transportation and Communication and Cebu Port Authority.

It will need the endorsement of the provincial development council, regional development council and the NEDA.

Several potential sites were suggested, including some areas in the north and south of Cebu, and Consolacion.

The port will be used primarily as  a drop-off site for cargo ships, catering to the major cities outside Cebu City.

“[The development] will help decongest not only the base port, but the roads as well,” Carreon said.

The existing Cebu international port is used not only as a cargo drop-off point but also for ferries and fast crafts.

With the establishment of the new port, Carreon said the base port will focus on passenger ferries.

Since the new port will be located outside Cebu City, trucks and other large cargo vehicles will be off the main roads in the city.

Big-ticket infrastructure projects that are being implemented are the P10-billion bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Cebu, the P17-billion Mactan Cebu International Airport upgrading project, and the P7-billion New Bohol Airport in Panglao.

Carreon said he hoped  the timetable for the BRT civil works will not be extended because mass transport is badly needed in the city. Civil works and construction is expected to begin in early to mid-2016.

Bidding for the BRT bus units and for the civil works will begin shortly after plans are finalized.

For the Panglao airport, ground leveling for the runway has begun. Construction of the airport is expected to be completed by 2017.

Carreon said the construction of facilities is expected to cost around P7.5 billion , funded by an official development assistance loan from Japan.

“While construction is on the government’s side, the management of the airport will be bid out,” he said.

The new airport will replace the Tagbilaran airport, which will be shut down.