TACLOBAN CITY - The P300-million Abucay project of the city government is set to begin its operations this month, beginning with the new passenger terminal.
The project, dubbed as the new central business district of the city, sits on a six-hectare lot built with commercial-cum residential centers, dry and wet markets and the passenger terminal. The project was finance through a bond flotation.
Magellan Tezon, project engineer of the multi-million project, said that the one-hectare passenger terminal would be the first to open for business as its construction is already finished.
“We are targeting last week of this month for the passenger terminal to start its operations,” Tezon told Leyte Samar Daily Express.
The terminal, at one given time, could accommodate 34 buses, 37 jeepneys and mini-buses and 11 passenger vans.
“All buses and other public vehicles operating in the city will be required to use the passenger terminal. So, those vehicles using terminals outside of this passenger terminal will not be allowed,” Tezon added.
While he made this assertion, the Abucay project engineer refused to comment on what is the plan of the city government with those buses and other vehicles which would still use the New Bus Terminal even if the passenger terminal starts its operations.
Businessman Francisco “Kiki” Romualdez presently manages the New Bus Terminal.
Mayor Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez, upon the recommendation of the city council, had earlier rescinded the contract of lease of businessman Romualdez, citing alleged violations committed by the latter.
But “Kiki” Romualdez (not a relative of the city mayor) contested the decision of the city government before the courts.
According to Eng. Tezon, before the operations of the passenger terminal, he and some personnel of the city government would visit the new passenger terminal in Iriga City.
The purpose of their impending visit, Tezon explained, is to get first hand knowledge on how the Iriga passenger terminal operates. The said terminal is said to be one of the country’s most modern and efficient passenger terminals.
Tezon told Express that with the operations of the passenger terminal, the city government could not only address traffic congestion but also help jumpstart economic activities in the area.
“Aside from solving the traffic congestion, the opening of the passenger terminal will also create economic activities in the area as business establishments will open and operate there,” Tezon said.
Tezon explained that the reason why the Abucay project was not only constructed with a passenger terminal but also with commercial buildings is for the city to recoup its investment on the project.
“One way of recovering the city’s big investment on this project is not only to operate a passenger terminal but also with commercial buildings like a market or commercial stalls. Also, by selling lots within the complex could also help hasten the city’s investment on this project,” Tezon said.
The project constructed at a cost of over P300 million was financed through a bond flotation and is payable within a seven-year period.
