The P7.7 billion Bohol Airport is on schedule except for some hitches in the procurement of aggregates which were already corrected.
Engr. Florencio de la Cruz, project manager from the Department of Transportation during an exclusive Chronicle interview denied reports that the completion date of the new airport will be delayed for two years.
The airport will definitely be competed by March 2018, he assured while he laughed off some smear campaign against the project which found its way to some Manila dailies.
“The report was really unfounded,” as he deplored those who are wanting to spread negative feedbacks about the on-going airport project.
He confirmed that this March 2018 completion date already took into account the extension of the runway by half a kilometer making it 2.5 kilometers, instead of 2 kms. The work plan revision also included the extension of the terminal to a two-storey building. The newly revised design of the terminal building includes 3 tubes or bridges connecting the terminal building to the planes.
Previous design did not have the tubes, thus the revision made sure there will be a second floor to connect the planes to the terminal building.
Both revised works on the runway and terminal building requires P374 million additional budget which was already approved as confirmed by NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia. The adjusted budget brings the total costP7.7 billion, instead of its original project cost pf P7.4 billion.
Presently, the runway is almost done with its sub-base materials which is expected to be completed next month. The asphalting of the 2.5 kilometer runway is expected to commence in February next year
De la Cruz admitted to the Chronicle the strict and high standard set by the Japanese consultant in the acquisition of aggregates somewhat caused a minor delay but was already corrected. The are now accepting high quality gravel from Naga, Cebu and sand from Butuan City.
He likewise said the terminal building is now 5% with structural steel and foundation now being done, he concluded.