Vice Admiral Edmund Tan, Cebu Port Authority general manager, discusses the upcoming project and the problems at the Cebu International Port in Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)
The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) is optimistic that the next president of the country will pursue the new Cebu International Port (CIP) project in Tayud, Consolacion.
Vice Admiral Edmund Tan, CPA general manager, said in an interview yesterday that they were still waiting for the approval of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda).
“Whoever wins the presidency I think he will pursue this project. From the beginning, whatever it is studied, it will be pursued. Let’s also see; Congress and Neda are professionals,” Tan said.
He also added that Rep. Raul del Mar has also called and encouraged the Department of Transportation and Communications to fasttrack the project.
CPA also hoped that the construction of the project, which was placed at P10 billion, would start in the middle of this year.
During the Visayas Shipping Conference 2016 held yesterday at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Tan cited the existing problems encountered at the CIP in Cebu City.
These are congestion, narrow apron area (for loading and unloading of cargoes), water depth (too shallow) and road network.
“About the congestion, it’s not that much anymore compared before. About the problem on the berthing space, there will be construction of Pier 4, and it will be bigger and wider yung meters,” he added.
CPA has also talked with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of a north coastal road.
“We can have an expressway (for cargo trucks) connecting two ports around coastal road,” he added.
He said if approved by Neda, the Tayud port project can be funded by the DPWH.