Gov: Trans-axial road can be done thru PPP

Should the 310-kilometer trans-axial project push through, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III prefers it to be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) considering the budget needed for the infrastructure.

In a PPP setup, the private sector invests in a government project and co-manages it for a specified period of time to have a return of investment (ROI).

Cebu Trans-axial Development Project (CTDP), also known as the Cebu Backbone Highway, aims to make a roadway on the central axis of Cebu through its mountain areas, traversing from Daanbantayan in the north to Santander in the south.

It will serve as a ‘backbone’ to the island’s road networks and seen as a complement to the coastal roads. It is also seen as one possible solution to Cebu’s traffic woes.

“Kadako og gasto, P120 billion, PPP ang gitan-aw nato ana,” Davide said. Over P120 billion is the projected amount needed for the project while P5 billion is the maximum amount which the provincial government can loan from banks.

Getting the budget to fund the projects will be difficult, said the governor.

He explained that many investors are not interested in the idea because it will take a long time before they get their ROI.

A feasibility study is also needed before the idea can be lobbied. “Di man na madalidali kay dako man nga project,” he said.

Of the envisioned 310-kilometer trans-axial road, 160 kilometers already existed. What needs to be constructed are new roads outside Cebu City which measure 44.17 kilometers, a 60-kilometer vegetable highway in the southern part, and 45.83 kilometer new roads to connect the existing roads in the cities and municipalities.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, for her part, also supports the idea. In a conference, the planned road network reportedly can reduce travel time by 40 percent.

The project was first proposed by former Governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña during his term in 1988 to 1992.

In 2007, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez promoted the proposal. Magpale and Sanchez’ daughter, former Provincial board member Grecilda, both promote the idea.