CEBU CITY, Dec. 12 (PNA) — The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 has endorsed a proposal to study the economic viability of the Cebu Trans-axial Highway, a project first proposed in 2006.
The RDC, during its full council meeting Friday in Cebu City, adopted a resolution requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 to finance a feasibility study on the trans-axial highway, which is projected to cost PHP80 billion from PHP4 billion in 2006.
The proposed 300-kilometer highway will connect Daanbantayan in the north and Santander in the south through the mountain ridge of central Cebu.
The project was proposed by the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez and included livelihood activities for farmers who will be affected by the undertaking.
The proposed feasibility study will also tackle less costly engineering alternatives to implement the project, cost of maintenance and effects on the environment, particularly as the highway will traverse the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, a legally protected area.
The study will also determine how the project will be funded.
The government is considering a public-private partnership arrangement.
The RDC also endorsed other Cebu infrastructure projects that seek funding from the DPWH and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Labeled under strategic road links and infrastructure investments, the projects aim to improve efficiency in the transportation of goods around Cebu Province.(PNA)