Home 
CEBU CITY, Philippines - Delays in the issuance of permits for cutting down trees has set back the ongoing construction of the North Coastal Road (NCR) in Metro Cebu.
Secretary Cerge Remonde, director of the Presidential Management Staff, said Sunday that in a recent cabinet meeting, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that the project has hit an impasse because the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) has yet to issue permits that will allow trees in the areas affected by the highway?s construction to be cut down.
Remonde said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tasked him to direct the DENR to make sure the permits are released to prevent further delays.
He assured that the 9.45-kilometer road project would be finished before Arroyo?s term ends in 2010.
Construction of the NCR started in July 2007 with a total budget allocation of P2.3 billion. It aims to connect northern Metro Cebu territories through a road along Cebu Island?s east coast, spurring economic development there.
The project is divided into two phases.
Phase 1 is a 1.39-kilometer road starting from Barangay (village) Paknaan in Mandaue City to Cansaga Bay in Consolacion town. The stretch includes a 684.13-meter bridge connecting the city and the town.
Phase 1 is being undertaken by Cagayan City-based construction firm UKC Builders Inc. at a cost of P42.2 million, said Marie Nillama, spokesperson of the DPWH-7. It was scheduled to be completed in February or March.
Phase 2 will connect the towns of Consolacion, Liloan and Compostela via an 8.06-kilometer road. This phase includes an overpass and an underpass, and is estimated to cost at least P518 million.
Some P276 million has been set aside to acquire lots for the project.
Remonde, whom Arroyo has tasked to supervise infrastructure projects, said he has yet to inspect the project?s progress.
