CEBU CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- A boost in the tourism industry, influx in migration, and better opportunities for the people of Cordova are expected once the construction of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is completed.
Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, during the Network Briefing News hosted by Sec. Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office on Friday, said that once CCLEX is finished, this would give better opportunities for her constituents since there is already a direct link from Cordova to Cebu City without passing through Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue City.
The 8.5-kilometer CCLEX, a public-private partnership project with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and the City of Cebu and the Municipality of Cordova, will connect mainland Cebu from Cebu City to Cordova town in Mactan Island.
Project developer Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a subsidiary of MPTC, envisions CCLEX as not only decongesting traffic in the two existing bridges, Mactan-Mandaue Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, but also increasing economic activities in Cebu and throughout the Visayas Region.
"Without the bridge, it would take us one hour plus in going to Cebu City but with the bridge, it would only take 20 to 30 minutes. Our people can easily find jobs in Cebu City and they won't have to rent houses in Cebu City," Sitoy-Cho said.
"We also expect an influx in migration and if our population will increase, we can increase our land area and Cordova can become a city," she added.
The mayor highlighted the special feature of the bridge which is the eight crosses placed on top of the CCLEX's twin pillars as CCLEC's contribution to the ongoing year-long celebration of the 500 years of Christianity in the country.
The eight crosses are visible at night since they are well-lighted.
The lighting ceremony of the crosses was held on April 15.
"The lighting of the crosses last April 15 was very symbolic, especially for us, because my father had passed away when the crosses were lit," the local chief executive said.
Sitoy-Cho said that her father, Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs Adelino Sitoy, who also previously served as the town's mayor, was said to be the brainchild of the CCLEX, adding that she hopes to name the bridge as Sto. Niño Bridge "as what my father wanted to name it."
The mayor said they also have other planned infrastructure projects they want to continue, one of which is the ongoing construction of the circumferential coastal road in Cordova, which the LGU needs more funds for it to be completed.
"The third bridge in the coastal road is for people who do not need to go to Cordova; they can use the coastal road in order to ease traffic in their area," she added.
Sitoy-Cho said they also plan to construct a Skyway from the third bridge going to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
She also said she wants to continue and hopefully achieve her father's ultimate goal for Cordova to become a city. (idc/PIA7/with reports from CCLEX)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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