Daily Tribune (Philippines)

LGU exec offers Calax row’s end

Right now, we are planning to set up a meeting with the owner of the land to discuss the right-of-way issues. Maybe, we can get a compromise agreement before the end of the year

- BY MARIA ROMERO @tribunephl_mbr

The local government in Silang, Cavite will convene a meeting among landowners and the Department of Public Works and Highways to immediatel­y address the right-of-way or RoW issues slowing down the completion of the entire stretch of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway or CALAX In a press statement over the weekend.

In response to reports about the delayed project, Silang, Cavite Mayor Kevin Anarna said the LGU is “willing to help MPCALA

Holdings, Inc. and the national government to fast track the opening of the Calax Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e.”

“Right now, we are planning to set up a meeting with the owner of the land to discuss the right-of-way issues. Maybe, we can get a compromise agreement before the end of the year,” he said.

The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e is the fifth of the eight segments of the 45-km CALAX, which is now 64 percent complete. According to the project proponent, the opening of the expressway, although set for December, remains uncertain due to RoW issues.

Critical portion

The undelivere­d RoW of about 450 meters of land, owned by a private corporatio­n, is a critical portion of the fulfillmen­t of the interchang­e. The issue prevents constructi­on works to progress, including the constructi­on of drainage and bridge, excavation and roadway earthworks, and installati­on of fences and coco net.

Anarna likewise pointed out that the CALAX subsection delay also hampers the developmen­t of the inner roads of the municipali­ty.

“Once the CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e is complete, we can start the constructi­on of inner roads so that we will be accessible to local tourists and investors who want to invest in Silang,” the mayor said.

The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e is the fifth of the eight segments of the 45-km CALAX, which is now 64 percent complete.

About 40,000 motorists, from the current daily traffic of 33,000, will be served once the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e opens.

CALAX’s operationa­l segment spans 14.24 kilometers with interchang­es at Greenfield-Mamplasan, Laguna Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay, and Silang East. Other interchang­es of the expressway —namely Open Canal, Governor’s Drive, and Kawit — are targeted to be completed by 2023.

 ?? PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SILANG, CAVITE LGU ?? SILANG, Cavite Mayor Kevin Anarna vows to help resolve right-of-way issues delaying the completion of the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SILANG, CAVITE LGU SILANG, Cavite Mayor Kevin Anarna vows to help resolve right-of-way issues delaying the completion of the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchang­e of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway.

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