Completion of 1st PPP proj seen in June

MANILA, Philippines - Conglomerate Ayala Corp. sees the completion of the construction of the P2.01 billion Muntinlupa-Cavite expressway (MCX) in June instead of March this year due to on-site challenges.

John Eric Francia, president and chief executive officer of Ayala’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., attributed the delay in construction completion to on-site challenges encountered resulting in the redesign of certain portions of access tunnels leading to the South Luzon expressway (SLEX).

Likewise, the unavailability of as-built plans for an existing bridge also contributed to the delay as excavation work for the tunnel had to proceed at a much slower pace.

“This is to avoid possible damage to the existing structure and ensure public safety as the bridge is heavily used by the public,” the company said.

AC Infrastructure chief operating officer Noel Kintanar was quick to clarify that the first public private partnership (PPP) project awarded by the Aquino administration would only be operational upon the issuance of the substantial completion certificate and the toll operation certificate by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

“We are optimistic that a June construction completion is achievable barring further delays in the right-of-way delivery and any unforeseen on-site technical issues,” Kintanar said.

The Daang Hari-SLEX link now known as the Muntinlupa – Cavite expressway (MCX) was the first PPP project auctioned off and awarded under the flagship infrastructure program of the Aquino administration. Ayala Corp. through AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. bagged the toll road project.

It involves the construction of a new four-kilometer four-lane toll road, from the junction of Daang Reyna and Daang Hari in Las Piñas and Bacoor, Cavite to SLEX through the Susana Heights Interchange in Muntinlupa, traversing the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation.