A CHINESE firm confirmed that it is going to start the feasibility study on the proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge in March.
Based on a letter signed by CCCC Highway Consultants Co. Ltd. Philippines general manager Lyu Gaohu, the feasibility study of the bridge is part of the technical assistance provided by the People's Republic of China to the Philippines.
Gaohu said implementation agreement of the project was signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte during the latter's state visit in November.
At present, he said the feasibility study is going smoothly and that the Department of Public Works and Highways, various stakeholders and local government units in the three islands are cooperating with its implementation.
The proposed bridge project was approved by the Regional Development Council in June 2018, and is part of Duterte's "Build, Build, Build" program.
The bridge is expected to span 19 kilometers and is estimated to cost $2 billion.
Several local and foreign firms have signified their interest on the project but have not made a significant step for the realization on the project because of its huge budgetary requirement. (TDE)