THE Central Visayas Regional Development Council has endorsed the proposal to build a new international container port in Tayud, Consolacion.
The target is to start construction by August next year and complete it in 35 months, or in mid-2019. The project is estimated to cost P9.135 billion.
Efren Carreon, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) acting regional director, said the proposal has been endorsed to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) central office for identification of possible funding sources.
“We hope that we will reach the target. At the same time, there is a possibility that the target will not be followed, because of the upcoming elections. The approval and negotiation process might also slow things down,” he added.
During the RDC 7 full council meeting on December 11, infrastructure development committee chairman Emmanuel Rabacal presented the proposal to the council for full endorsement.
“Tayud is the best location for the site, based on studies by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). As I said during my presentation, Tayud has available area for future expansion, and no conflicting planned development,” he said.
Rabacal said Cebu needs a new international container port “with bigger berthing space and container yard” due to the fast-paced growth of the region. Between 2009 and 2013, the volume of domestic and foreign cargo in the region increased from 21.36 metric tons to 30.53 metric tons.
This is alongside the increasing congestion in the port area due to growing commercial development, the endorsement read.