Group wants Subic-Clark road run by private firms
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- An advocacy group that has been monitoring the completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) project is asking the government to let private firms manage the operation of the new highway.
The Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), a self-imposed watchdog of good governance and major infrastructure projects in Central Luzon, said for the toll highway to be maintained properly, a private firm should be assigned to take over the reins.
ADCL co-chairman for infrastructure development Renato Tayag Jr. issued the statement following reports that bidding for the operation and management of SCTEx failed. The toll road is expected to be operational late this year or early 2008.
Although there were several private firms and conglomerates gunning for the 10-year operation of the highway, reports of failed bidding for the same surfaced, sending a chilling effect to various groups, including ADCL, that have seen how the former North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) deteriorated before being managed by a private firm.
Tayag said the ADCL is concerned that if SCTEx will be operational and its operation and management is not awarded to a winning bidder, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the lead proponent of the project, might be assigned to operate the tollway.
If this would be the case, the toll road might not serve its purpose for a long time, given the way government handles such infrastructures, he said.
The Nlex, he pointed out, is a clear example of how a private corporation can efficiently manage an infrastructure at no cost to the government.
The 93.77-kilometer SCTEx, reputedly the longest toll road in the country, is hoped to prime business in Luzon, particularly the Central Luzon plain where Pampanga is located.
Once operational, travel time along SCTEx would take only about 30 minutes from Clark to Subic, and 20 minutes from Clark to Tarlac.
The SCTEx is a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and is among the mega infrastructures intended to transform Central and Northern Luzon into a super region.
The SCTEx was designed to serve as another catalyst for the economic growth of Central Luzon and the adjoining regions. This project is expected to create greater opportunities for investment, trade and employment.
Tayag said the long wait for the toll road should not end up in a way that the multibillion-peso project be put to naught due to poor management.
By Albert B. Lacanlale - SunStarThe Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), a self-imposed watchdog of good governance and major infrastructure projects in Central Luzon, said for the toll highway to be maintained properly, a private firm should be assigned to take over the reins.
ADCL co-chairman for infrastructure development Renato Tayag Jr. issued the statement following reports that bidding for the operation and management of SCTEx failed. The toll road is expected to be operational late this year or early 2008.
Although there were several private firms and conglomerates gunning for the 10-year operation of the highway, reports of failed bidding for the same surfaced, sending a chilling effect to various groups, including ADCL, that have seen how the former North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) deteriorated before being managed by a private firm.
Tayag said the ADCL is concerned that if SCTEx will be operational and its operation and management is not awarded to a winning bidder, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the lead proponent of the project, might be assigned to operate the tollway.
If this would be the case, the toll road might not serve its purpose for a long time, given the way government handles such infrastructures, he said.
The Nlex, he pointed out, is a clear example of how a private corporation can efficiently manage an infrastructure at no cost to the government.
The 93.77-kilometer SCTEx, reputedly the longest toll road in the country, is hoped to prime business in Luzon, particularly the Central Luzon plain where Pampanga is located.
Once operational, travel time along SCTEx would take only about 30 minutes from Clark to Subic, and 20 minutes from Clark to Tarlac.
The SCTEx is a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and is among the mega infrastructures intended to transform Central and Northern Luzon into a super region.
The SCTEx was designed to serve as another catalyst for the economic growth of Central Luzon and the adjoining regions. This project is expected to create greater opportunities for investment, trade and employment.
Tayag said the long wait for the toll road should not end up in a way that the multibillion-peso project be put to naught due to poor management.
Labels: adcl, bcda, clark, expressway, subic
posted by OlongapoCity Zambales at
5:42 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home