By Angeline Valencia
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 14 (PNA) — Japan Airport Consultants (JAC) clarified that the Japanese partners closed doors to any risk to the environment in the course of the implementation of the Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection (NBACSEP) project, the basis for choosing the Tagbilaran route in the hauling of equipment and aggregates for the projects over the proposed jetty port in barangay Tangnan, Panglao.
Yuki Todoroki of JAC categorically expressed that the funder, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will stick to the concept of the project directed to sustainable environment protection.
It’s either the airport or the Tangnan port, Todoroki pointed out during the recent coordination meeting of concerned sectors for the New Bohol Airport project.
The proposed jetty port in barangay Tangnan, Panglao is beset by concerns on threat to the environment that contradicts the concept of the project, Todoroki hinted.
It was then agreed during the meeting that the route of the equipment and the aggregates landing at the Tagbilaran port will pass through Ma. Clara St., then to CPG. Ave, Tamblot St., J.A Clarin St. going to ICM area towards Dampas Barangay Hall, then through the CPG East Avenue going to Bool-Dauis Junction as suggested by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Engr. Antonio Flores of the DPWH first engineering district assured that the Gov. J. Borja Bridge can hold the maximum weight of the cargo estimated to reach 38 tons on a trip.
It was also noted during the meeting that the route must spare V. P. Inting St., citing the MGB assessment that the area is still unstable with the sinkhole underneath.
Going straight to Gallares St. from Tagbilaran port and pass the causeway could have been a shorter trip, but the bridge cannot hold the weight of the cargo.
Transporting the equipment and aggregates will be done from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion during the rush hours.
Sancho Bernales, a consultant of the city government, informed the group that the hauling trucks will just have to be registered and get a permit for the activity to be facilitated accordingly.
At first, Dauis Mayor Miriam Sumaylo expressed concern on that it might damage the bridge, but the Flores assured the Gov. J. Borja Bridge has the capacity.
For her part, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero insisted that a jetty port should be constructed in barangay Tangnan as the landing area of the equipment and the aggregates.
Aside from catering to the project, the people of Tangnan could also benefit from the economic activities that would go with it, she added.
For sure there is a way to balance preservation of the environment and development, according to the mayor.
Montero submitted a letter to the coordinating team, manifesting “disagreement” to the Tagbilaran route or the Albur route in transporting the equipment and aggregates for the airport project.
However, Todoroki said an independent examiner commissioned by JICA inspected the site of the proposed jetty port in barangay Tangnan, Panglao, and that the DOTC had even rejected the Tangnan project.
JAC had also concurred the option left is the Tagbilaran route.
Gov. Edgar Chatto advised the municipal officials of Panglao to have a dialogue with JICA, the contractor—Chiyoda-Mitsubishi joint venture, and DOTC and thresh out the issue before the meeting of the local project management team this week.
According to the governor, DOTC just need to convey to the municipal officials of Panglao if it had been decided already to take the Tagbilaran route.(PNA)