2 firms interested in CBD, ferry terminal projects–mayor
Two international firms are interested to invest in the public-private partnership projects of Iloilo City that are still in the pre-feasibility study stage, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.
The pre-feasibility studies of both the central business district and Guimaras-Iloilo ferry terminal (GIFT) projects were already evaluated to pave the way for a formal feasibility study that will be submitted and recommended to the Regional Development Council 6 and the National Economic Development Authority 6.
Mabilog said he will ask for an authority from the Sangguniang Panlungsod to sign a document for the eventual proclamation by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the almost one-hectare Rotary Park at Port San Pedro for the GIFT project.
Embodied in the pre-feasibility study at no cost to the city government and submitted by Concept Consultants headed by Nathaniel Von Einsedel, the project proposal was approved by the Cities Development Initiative Asia.
The GIFT project will connect Guimaras island-province to Iloilo City through a modern terminal for ferry boats and calls for the improvement of Jordan and Buenavista wharves in Guimaras to complement the Iloilo City ferry terminal for Buenavista and Jordan ferries.
Mabilog said President Aquino is enthusiastic about the project and has ordered the Presidential Management Staff to review the Iloilo City project for possible foreign and national government funding.
He said the Asian Development Bank is also expected to help in the project by providing a loan facility complemented by an ideal public and private partnership with 51 percent from the private and 49 percent from the government.
Under the same PPP set-up, the central business district is expected to be converted into a modern multi-storey edifice for wet and dry sections and other stalls.
A CBD pre-feasibility study was also conducted by Concept Consultants calling for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo central market into a world-class shopping center complete with a podium and mall stores.*PNA
