OFFICIALS OF Cebu province and engineers said the national government should look into the long-standing Cebu Trans-Axial Highway Development Project (CTDP) because it will help solve traffic congestion in the Metro Cebu area as well as bring a more inclusive economic development. “It’s not too late. If implemented, this would definitely solve our traffic problems,” Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes A. Magpale is quoted in a statement as saying during a forum last week. The CTDP is a four-lane, 300-kilometer highway that will traverse mainland Cebu’s central axis from Daanbantayan in the north to Santander in the south. Engineer Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, a former provincial board member and now consultant, said infrastructure projects have been concentrated in the towns and cities in Metro Cebu, and spaces in these areas for investments will soon be inadequate. “This highway (CTDP) will not only solve the traffic woes, it is also seen to spur development in other towns and cities as far-flung areas of the province will only need to connect this highway to send their products to the markets or welcome tourists,” Ms. Sanchez said. Engr. Edgar R. Sibonga, also a provincial government consultant, said the value of the project in 2007 when they conducted the pre-feasibility study stood at P55 billion, but the cost now is estimated at P120 billion. Under the original proposal, the CTDP would be offered to a private investor with a four-year construction period and 25-year management contract.

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