GMA leads groundbreaking rites for P2.46-B Butuan road projects

BUTUAN CITY — President Arroyo yesterday led the groundbreaking ceremony of two road projects here worth P2.46 billion.

Mrs. Arroyo was accompanied by her Vice Presidential running mate Sen. Noli De Castro, DPWH Secretary Florante Soriquez, Butuan City Mayor Daisy Plaza, Japanese officials, members of the Butuan City Council and other top DPWH officials.

The first project, the P1.96-billion second Magsaysay Bridge project, consists of two major constructions — the bypass road, which has a total length of 13.21 kilometers, and the bridge itself, which has a total length of 882 meters.

The project was funded through the second special yen loan package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Meanwhile, the P427-million Magsaysay Viaduct project is an important component of the Lower Agusan Development Project for its flood control component to prevent usual flooding in urban and sub-urban areas of Butuan City. It is expected to be completed in July 2006.

Engr. Phillip Meñez, Lower Agusan Development Project (LADP) manager, said that with the flood control facilities in place, more investments are expected to come in, which could spur development and economic growth in this regional center.

According to Meñez, the second Magsaysay Bridge project, which is expected to be finished in March 2007, will provide an alternate bridge to the increasing number of motorists here.