Davide: Trans-axial project still on our list

CEBU, Philippines- Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has made it clear that his administration has not given up on the proposed 300-kilometer Trans-Axial Highway project that will connect the northern areas of the province to the south.

In his State of the Province Address, which he prefers to be called as “Report to the People, Davide admitted that the plan to build the road network is not feasible yet.

But he said that he remains committed in connecting the countryside, which would stimulate economic activities in the province.

“We realize that economic progress cannot happen without appropriate public infrastructure,” he added.

In fact, he said, the province created a technical working group last year that will conduct further study on the project. He said P2 million has also been allocated this year for the team’s operation.

The Capitol also earmarked P10 million in its 2015 budget for the planning and pre-implementation of the Trans-axial Highway Project.

Davide mentioned the Trans-Axial highway in his first SOPA last year.

In a separate interview, Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, whose father, the late Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, was the proponent of the trans-axial project, commended the Davide for his administration’s effort for the realization of the project.

“In fairness to Gov. Junjun iya gyod na giapil sa iyang projects,” she said over the phone.

She is hoping that the project would be lobbied for funding from the National Government, noting that the province is an agricultural area.

“Queen City of the South man kaha ta, tabangan unta pod ang probinsya aning proyektoha kay dako kaayo ni’g tabang sa atong mga farmers,” she said.

The province is considering a Private-Public Partnership scheme for the said development project, which is reportedly worth around P50 billion.

Davide, however, reported that the province has already established road links in different areas in the province. He added that four key road projects in northern Cebu which will soon be implemented: the  P57.5 million road project  in Bogo City; P84 million for two roads in San Remegio; and P69 million in Daanbantayan. All were bankrolled under the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Program.  (FREEMAN)