Port contractor ‘not giving up’

Consolacion can use latest, environment-friendly technology for container port project

THE firm that signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Consolacion Municipal Government to construct the new Cebu International Container and Bulk Terminal is not giving up on the project.

The recent MOU signing between the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the City Government of Manila for a 50-hectare reclamation in Tondo is seen to boost the implementation of a similar project in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

“The MOU between PRA and the Manila City Government gives a meaningful substance to public-private partnership as a growth engine of the national economy and should provide the impetus for the soonest possible implementation of a similar project in Cebu,” said Chairman Reghis Romero II of Mega Harbour Port and Development Inc.

Romero said that the MOU signed by Mayor Joseph Estrada and PRA General Manager Janilo Rubiato will pave the way using the latest technology for environmentally-safe reclamation projects.

Romero said the same technology would be used in the reclamation in Tayud, Consolacion in preparation for the new international container port.

“The technology involves the use of choice marine sands for the reclamation and the clearing and filtration of silts from the site to ensure the stability of the sea bed,” Romero said.

“The silts which may contain mud and toxic chemicals from precipitated industrial wastes will then be dumped into a pit especially built for this purpose. This site where the pit will be constructed will depend on the recommendation of the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources),” Romero said.

He said the use of marine sands, instead of filling materials from land, would prevent water displacement that would make sea level rise and cause floods.

Technology

“Mega Harbour also has the technology to detect the nearest possible location in the sea where the marine sands can be sourced for use in the reclamation that will give rise to the Cebu International Container and Bulk Terminal,” Romero said.

Romero said the new Cebu container port, as located in Central Philippines, will play an important role in the international port network envisioned by Mega Harbour for construction in key areas nationwide.

The new Cebu port is estimated to cost P16.459 billion. It will cover an 85-hectare expanse from the shores of Consolacion and include a 1,200-meter long berthing facility, allowing it to accommodate bigger international vessels.

Expandable up to 150 hectares, the port project involves raw land reclamation and horizontal development spanning both foreshore and offshore areas of Tayud.