The national government has already allotted PHP3.97 billion for the construction of the Tacloban causeway project that will provide a shorter route from the city’s downtown to the airport, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Monday.
DPWH-Eastern Visayas Director Edgar Tabacon said majority of the PHP4.77-billion budget requirement has been allotted under the 2022, 2024, and 2025 national budgets.
He said PHP880 million was allocated in 2022, PHP1.92 billion in 2024, and PHP1.17 billion this year.
Some PHP2.68 billion of the allotted budget has been obligated while only PHP528.6 million have been disbursed, based on documents shared by DWPH.
The project’s civil works have an accomplishment rate of 20.42 percent as of this month using the appropriations in 2022 and 2024.
The structure will stretch from the city’s Magsaysay Boulevard to the airport complex, crossing the Cancabato Bay.
The first of its kind in Eastern Visayas, the causeway will serve as an alternate route for motorists from the city’s commercial district going to the airport, reducing distance, travel time, and vehicle operating costs.
It involves the construction of a four-lane road embankment that spans about 2.56 kms., with a bridge at the center. It will also feature separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, as well as wave deflectors on both sides.
It will complement the future new airport terminal building designed to accommodate international flights.
Aside from being an alternative highway, the causeway will also shield communities from destructive waves.
“This project aims to reduce travel time from the city proper to the airport from approximately 45 minutes to 10 minutes. The vision is not just to build infrastructure, but to build structures that will draw tourists and investments to the city,” Tabacon said in a statement. By Sarwell Meniano
Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency
