By-pass road in Zambo City to open this year; economic benefits imminent

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- The by-pass road project that will directly link the city’s east and west coast is set to open this year with the initial P310 M funds now released, Department of Public Works and Highways IX Regional Director Jorge Sebastian, Jr. said.

Dir. Sebastian said DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson personally assured the implementation of the 34.9 kilometer project that will start from the western barangay of San Ramon, passing through the city’s highlands, and will connect to Barangay Culianan in the east, during his recent visit here.

Sebastian said DPWH Central Office is now reviewing the Plans and Program of Works for approval, after which, public consultations and inventory of affected lots will be conducted before the proper project implementation.

DPWH-IX Information Officer Ma. Carla Miñoza added that they are targeting to accomplish around 80% of the by-pass road to be opened this year.

“With the initial fund of P310 M, more or less 80% of the road opening road will be accomplished. Next year we expect to complete the opening. Hopefully, by 2016, we will have fully implemented the project”, Miñoza said.

With the project now in its initial phase, Dir. Sebastian is optimistic that it will help spur economic growth in the city, and the region as a whole.

“This road will provide a direct route for business from the neighboring cities of Dipolog and Pagadian, and other municipalities in the peninsula to Zamboanga Free Port Zone, which is situated in San Ramon”, Sebastian pointed.

Aside from this benefit, Sebastian said it will also help decongest traffic in the city as it will provide an alternative route to motorists who have to pass by the city’s center going from west to east coast and vice versa. It is also seen to reduce the number of cargo trucks and container vans from entering the city limits.

Ms. Miñoza also added that there are other infrastructure projects being implemented in region IX for this year.

“In addition, a total of 92 various infrastructure projects are being implemented under CY 2012 DPWH Infrastructure Program for region IX”, she ended. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST/DPWH)