Construction of P370 M Iloilo-Zarraga radial road imminent
The construction of the P370 million radial road from Barangay Lanit, Jaro until Zarraga town is more likely to happen as the budget for the project is already included in the current national budget. It is only one of the projects through the Mega-Region Economic Development Strategy of the national government.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said he is set to have a meeting with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando Asis to discuss the radial road project. The construction of the radial road from Lanit to Zarraga would open new areas for investments.
Zarraga is 15.7 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is the converging point of two national highways that serve as the main roads of Central Panay including the provinces of Aklan, Capiz and the northern towns of Iloilo. Its economic growth depends mainly on agricultural sector. While, fishpond area occupy 24 percent of the total land area.
Treñas said the projected development in areas which leads to Zarraga would entail new zoning planning. It would require a new land-use regulation in new growth areas included in the mapped zones. No other details of the project was released.
Apart from the P370 million radial road, there is also a pending P170 million road widening project from Sta. Barbara to Iloilo City. Sta. Barbara is one of the towns under the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).
The acceleration of the economic growth and development of Sta. Barbara, Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Leganes and Iloilo City is pushed because of the operation of the Iloilo Airport of International Standard. The government wants to spur economic activities not only in Iloilo City but its neighboring towns and the island-province of Guimaras.