Marawi inaugurates P70-M transport terminal

MARAWI CITY — City officials and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) cabinet members yesterday inaugurated the P70-million New Marawi City Transport Terminal during the celebration of the city’s 26th anniversary.

A message from President Arroyo, which was read by Director Gloria Villaraza, of Malacañang‘s House Affairs division,s congratulated Marawi City Mayor Omar Solitario Ali and other city officials for the construction of the facility, which will help decongest the heavy traffic in this city.

"The Marawi Transport Terminal is a joint gift of Malacañang and the ARMM," said Villaraza.

The terminal, the first ever constructed here, boasts of at least two terminal buildings, an administration building, a mosque, an ablution area and the GMA Market, a two-level building which will house a market inside the 3.4 hectare terminal compound, Mayor Ali said.

A message from Ambassador Mohammad Ameen Wali, Saudi ambassador to the Philippines, which was read by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Embassy consultant Ibrahim Mamao said that P450 million of the $100 million Saudi Fund intended to help alleviate poverty in the ARMM, will be used for the improvement of the 91-km Lake Lanao Circumferential Road.

The Basilan circumferential road, Cotabato City diversion road and the Ganassi, Lanao del Sur -Tubod, Lanao del Norte road construction were also identified as projects for implementation under the Saudi Fund.

Projects for the rest of the five provinces in the ARMM, which include Basilan and Sulu, were also identified under the same fund, according to Wali.

ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan’s representative Noroddin Mamaulaba said that this new development and the coming of more projects, are embodiments of the peace and development now seen in the autonomous region.

Marawi City and ARMM cabinet members expressed their gratitude and support for the national government for giving priority to development projects in this city and in Lanao del Sur.

Mayor Ali thanked the people for their help and cooperation.