The Cebu Ports Authority is set to conduct bidding on the proposed improvement of Hagnaya wharf in San Remegio town early next year.
The project, which is funded by the Priority Development Assistance Fund of fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, is estimated to cost at least P30 million, including the rechanneling of the Hagnaya wharf.
It was earlier proposed to construct a new wharf in barangay Punta, San Remegio but the project was too expensive at an estimate of P200 million. Salimbangon said that he wanted to maximize the use of his PDAF so the eight towns and one city in the district can benefit, thus he decided to have the Hagnaya wharf improved instead. and could be shared by among the eight towns and one city in the fourth district of Cebu province prompting him to find a cheaper way to improve the wharf.
The congressman, however, said that the proposal to construct a new wharf will still push through once there are enough funds.
The Hagnaya wharf is the gateway to Bantayan Island through the Sta. Fe port.
Several tragedies have occurred at the wharf especially during low tides when ships and ferry boats cannot dock at the port and are only anchored at the Hagnaya channel. Service boats ferry passengers to the port, pausing dangers.
Once the port is rechanneled, ships and ferry boats can already dock at the port even during low tides. — Gregg M. Rubio/QSB