By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — The municipal government here is pursuing its plan to build an integrated transport hub despite reports that a private company has bought the property where the terminal will be put up.
Engr. Marlo Villanueva, municipal planning and development coordinator, said the centralized transport terminal for buses, jeepneys, and vans for eastern Aklan routes will be an economic enterprise of the local government.
But the project plan and design has not yet materialized when Unitop General Enterprises, Inc. bought the property across the fire station along Jaime Cardinal L. Sin Avenue.
Unitop plans to build a three-storey commercial building and a separate parking area in the one-hectare property, Villanueva said.
He disclosed that talks with Unitop for a possible public-private agreement have started.
Mayor William Lachica said he is not losing hope. Negotiations to lease the parking area are under way with the property owners, he said.
Lachica said his administration is pursuing the project to address traffic management concerns, especially for motorists and commuters going to and from eastern Aklan.
The planned integrated transport hub is in response to the “sprouting” of terminals for buses, jeepneys, minibuses, vans, and tricycles plying Libacao, Altavas, Balete, New Washington, and Banga. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
