By Paulo Loreto Lim

In light of enthusiasm coming from the Regional Development Council-Region VI (RDC-6) and the Iloilo Business Club for the construction of an elevated expressway connecting the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz, the National Economic and Development Authority-Region VI (NEDA-6) said studies would still need to be conducted before proceeding with the project.

According to NEDA-6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal, the project will need massive funding, along with the participation of private investors, noting, if the proposal were to move forward, it would likely be conducted as a public-private partnership.

The initial proposal, however, included the construction of a railway along with the expressway, which has since been nixed by NEDA-6.

“The railway by itself is not feasible,” Bacal said.

Meanwhile, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao affirmed during last month’s RDC-6 meeting that bidding for the Negros-Guimaras-Panay Bridge will likely commence towards the middle of this year.

Once completed, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said the structure will span 19 kilometers and would surpass the San Juanico Bridge as the longest bridge in the country./PLL, WDJ