No funds in sight for Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros bridge

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—Lack of funds may derail the proposal to build two bridges connecting the province of  Iloilo to the islands of Guimaras and Negros.

Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava admitted that the plan was a long shot because the two bridges would cost P27 billion based on a study funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways  from 2006 to 2008.

The governor said that the plan was to build first the bridge that would connect Iloilo to Guimaras. The proposed target was from 2011 to 2015 for the Iloilo-Guimaras span.

The next phase involves the construction of a bridge from Guimaras to Negros. The construction was envisioned to start in 2016 and completed in 2020.

But until now, no budget has been set aside to fund even the first phase of the project.

“Their construction will depend on whether  there are funds for them,” Nava said.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, chairman of the Western Visayas Regional Development Council, admitted that the proposal remained just that—a proposal.

“ There is nothing definite about it because of the cost that will be involved,” Tanco added.