China eyes soft loans for five more bridges
“China is positively considering soft loans for five more bridges to make the two sides across the Pasig River more connected and integrated.”
This was the “good news” revealed by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua at the ground-breaking ceremony of
the China-funded Binondo-Intramuros Bridge and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge Tuesday.
The 734 meter-long Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will cross the Pasig River and will provide a new link between Intramuros and Binondo. It will have a four-lane carriage way and a threemeter sidewalk on both sides.
The 506.46 meter Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, on the other hand, will connect Estrella Street in Makati City and Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City.
Zhao said the two bridges which will be implemented and financed through Chinese grants, "are only part of the list." The two bridges are estimated to cost 15.7 billion.
Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the two bridges are the first of the 12bridges being eyed across the Pasig River.
The bridges aim to improve the capacity and efficiency of the road transport network in Metro Manila by providing additional fix links and additional routes crossing the Pasig River. 30 months At the ground-breaking ceremony, President Duterte gave the DPWH a timetable within which to finish the bridge project.
"I am therefore directing the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and the other agencies concerned to ensure that the construction of these bridges will be finished within thirty months or earlier," the President ordered.
The construction of the bridges will start this month and is expected to be completed by 2020,Villar estimated. He said the bridges will enhance the resiliency of Metro Manila road network against natural disasters like flood and earthquakes.
"As an important part of the 'Build, Build, Build' Program, I expect you to fast track the implementation and execution of these bridges, as well as all other infrastructure projects already in the pipeline," Duterte added.