Status of trans-axial project presented to PB

The Cebu Trans-Axial Development Project study group yesterday presented the status of the proposed multibillion project before the members of the Provincial Board during their regular session.

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., the PB presiding officer and the brains of the project, said that the provincial government will shoulder acquisition of the 760-hectare road right-of-way amounting between P400 million to P500 million.

For such move, Sanchez explained that the province is expected to earn at least P3 billion per year in real property taxes as a result of land conversion.

The 300-kilometer four-lane highway, seen to connect all municipalities of Cebu with Santander as the farthest point in the south and Daanbantayan in the north, would be undertaken through a build-operate-transfer scheme. Of the whole stretch, 220 kilometers cover existing roads that need improvement, while 80 kilometers will be newly built.

Sanchez said the provincial government has allocated P15 million for the preparation of this project and that, so far, around P12 million were already spent.

The highway would cut travel time by 40 percent. It will also disperse development to the countryside.

Further, the project will tap at least 120 rivers in Cebu as water sources. Windmill farms will be created to provide much needed power.

Aside from wind, water, economic zones and agro-environmental developments, the project also covers the establishments of five rest areas wherein restaurants and cafés will be put up. Sites eyed are Bagakay in Sogod; Santican in Danao City; Cantabaco in Toledo City; Basak in Sibonga; and Nug-as in Alcoy.

Twelve toll fee plazas will be constructed and a 1.6-kilometer tunnel will be built in Tungalub, Oslob.  — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV