PPA’s two port improvement projects in Iloilo near completion
Two port improvement projects initiated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) here will make Iloilo more accessible to roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vessels.
The first project is the P35.92 million Guimbal Port Improvement Project in Guimbal which is being implemented by the PPA 4th district office based in Cebu City.
Based on the monitoring of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) in Western Visayas led by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Phase I of the project composed of the construction of RC pier, installation of fenders, bollards and lighting system was already completed last 2007.
It’s Phase II that covers extension of the RC pier and rehabilitation of the revetment was about 45 percent completed as of June 26 this year.
Engr. Antonio Belarga, manager of the Engineering Services Division of PPA-Iloilo said once completed the project will have a great impact in the southern portion of Iloilo and the neighboring province of Antique.
At present, he cited that there are no vessels that are plying the Guimbal area but once the project is completed the port can already accommodate roll-on roll off (RoRo) vessels such that the transport of good will become faster.
Another project is the Fort San Pedro Port Improvement Project in Iloilo City worth P199.58 million which is being implemented by PPA- Manila.
The scope of work covers widening and improvement of existing RC wharf, construction of RoRo ramp and platform, installation of mooring and fendering system among others.
Belarga said the construction and turn over of the project is being done phase-by-phase.
To date, Belarga said they are just waiting for the complete turn over of the entire project including the last phase from the contractor.
The improvement, he said, will provide ready amenities that will accommodate RoRo vessels unlike before when they have to devise ways and do it the conventional way to hold RoRo vessels.
Before, he said that only the port area in Lapuz has the amenities to accommodate RoRo vessels.
Meantime, the RPMC in its monitoring report has recommended the close supervision of the port operation of various shipping lines that are being catered at the Fort San Pedro.
To recall the new deck has already sustained two-crater like damages caused by the sudden dropping of a ship’s heavy steel loading ramp several months ago. (PNA)