The New Bohol Panglao International Airport should be completed in June and operational by August this year.
This was the order of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to the P7.8-billion facility’s contractor after he found construction progress somewhat lagging during an onsite inspection on Monday.
“With what I saw, I have reservations that this will be completed in June. However, with the PMO and contractor’s assurance that this will be completed in June, and operational in August, I will take your word for that. August this year, dapat operational na ito,” Tugade said addressing the airport’s project management officer.
The tandem of Japanese engineering giants Chiyoda Corp. and Mitsubishi Corp, was contracted for the multi-billion project.
According to a statement from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the new airport is 80 percent complete, with the runway fully-paved and operational.
After the new administration took over in July 2016, Tugade ordered the 24-hour construction of the facility to fast-track completion of the airport.
The DOTr has issued a memorandum to stipulate that a work slippage of more than thirty days would result in non-payment, cancellation of contract, blacklisting of the erring contractor, and the engagement of another contractor to finish the project.
The New Bohol Airport is on track to become the first eco-airport in the country.
Dubbed as the “Green Gateway to the World,” it will serve as the premier gateway to the province and island of Panglao, a popular tourist destination.
The airport will be held to the highest standards of green and sustainable structures, and will primarily use natural sunlight and air.
Solar panels will also be installed on the Passenger Terminal Building roof, which can cover around one-third of the airport’s energy requirement.
The New Bohol Airport is expected to accommodate 2 million passengers in its opening year, a huge jump from the 800,000 passenger count that is currently being accommodated by the Tagbilaran City Airport. (R. Tutas)