By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
.JPG)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-9 continues to implement vital road projects
in Zamboanga Peninsula to spur economic growth and address road congestions
with the upgrading of the Rizal-Dakak-Dapitan coastal road.
DPWH-9
Information Officer Ma. Carla Miñoza said, “The road
provides a new link between the City of Dapitan and the municipalities of Rizal
and Sibutad, traversing an area with high potential for agricultural
development and especially tourism. The road also serves as an alternate road
to improve the traffic condition of Zamboanga del Norte.”
The project
involves the concreting of the existing 41.558 kilometer road, two lanes, 6.70
meter wide carriageway, concrete sidewalk, slope protection works, bridges and
other various minor structures.
It also includes
the replacement of two temporary bridges, the Kanim and Balubohan bridges.
Miñoza said the
total project cost is P991.83 million including the two bridges. Of the total
amount, P283.90 million was taken from the DPWH’s 2012-2013 budget under the General
Appropriations Act (GAA).
The remaining
cost, Miñoza added, will be taken from next year’s budget and other sources.
“The remaining
P707.93M to complete the two-lane road will be considered in the DPWH 2014 allocation
and succeeding budgets or will be sourced from any available funds,” she
explained.
DPWH-9 has also
started the 34-kilometer bypass road here in Zamboanga City.
Regional
Director Jorge Sebastian, in his previous statement said, “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.”
Miñoza said there are still other projects
lined up to improve infrastructures in the region that will greatly boost the
region’s economy. (PIA9)