BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Guimaras-Negros Bridge segment of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros mega bridge project has been shelved, announced Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects Vivencio Dizon as the government struggles to find funds to address the coronavirus disease pandemic.
In a virtual briefing, Dizon explained the government will prioritize infrastructure projects which are already “shovel ready” or “already at the advanced stages, at the very least, of government approval.”
In March, both the Negros Occidental Provincial Development Council and Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer called for alternative spots where to build the bridge, with the latter submitting a position paper to the National Economic and Development Authority suggesting Valladolid or Bago City instead.
The vice governor’s wife, Negros Occidental 4th District’s Rep. Juliet Ferrer, filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking an investigation into the matter.
“The 4th Legislative District will present our position paper that cites studies showing the ideal area for the bridge is either Bago City or Valladolid,” the vice governor said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways had said the presence of mangroves and dolphins prevented it from selecting Bago City.
“We will not damage anything,” he insisted in Valladolid town.
“We can reclaim the area and put up an economic zone that will spur economic growth in the town and surrounding areas,” the vice governor added. “NEDA already approved the project [and] are still open for alternatives.”
Ferrer said it was supportive of a bridge connecting Guimaras and Negros since it was first proposed during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
DPWH reported the bridge connecting Guimaras and Negros is estimated to cost P123.8 million, while the structure between Panay and Guimaras would amount to P65.7 million.
Panay News tried to reach Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson for comment regarding Dizon’s pronouncements, but he has yet to reply as of press time./PN
