Friday, July 17, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES [ BusinessWorld Online ]
ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects to complete this year two port projects in the city and province of Iloilo, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Western Visayas said in a statement yesterday.
NEDA’s Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) said the P35.92-million Guimbal Port Improvement Project in the town of Guimbal will be completed this year or early next year. The committee report said the PPA finished in 2007 the first phase of the Guimbal port project, which includes construction of pier, installation of fenders, bollards and lighting system.
Phase II, which covers extension of the pier and rehabilitation of the revetment, was 45% complete as of June 26.
Antonio Belarga, manager of PPA-Iloilo’s Engineering Services Division, said the upgraded Guimbal port will boost the roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) transport system in southern Iloilo and Antique province.
"Once completed, the project will have a great impact in the southern portion of Iloilo and the neighboring province of Antique. The port can accommodate Ro-Ro vessels and make transport of goods faster," Mr. Belarga said.
PPA is also undertaking the P199.58-million Fort San Pedro Port Improvement Project in Iloilo City.
The scope of work covers widening and improvement of existing wharf, construction of a Ro-Ro ramp and platform, as well as installation of a mooring and fendering system, among others.
"We are just waiting for the complete turnover of the entire project, including the last phase from the contractor," he said.
The two port projects, when completed, will complement Lapuz port in Iloilo City which has the capability to accommodate Ro-Ro vessels.
The NEDA committee also recommended close supervision of operations of shipping lines at Fort San Pedro port. This, after the port’s new deck was damaged by the crash of a ship’s steel loading ramp several months ago. — FALA
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