The government may tap China to help bankroll the construction of a skytrain system and elevated roads in Cebu to ease its traffic congestion, President Duterte said last Sunday.
The President said the intercity commuter train service, which may funded by a Chinese loan, could be completed in two years if Cebu starts the construction this year.
“Pinakaguwapong alternative is really to build roadways sa itaas. You can do it here. Pagsugod ngari og naa moy dalan pa ngari, space. You can start with a railroad commuter unya ang taas himuon na ninyong bag-ong dalan,” he said during the Sinulog Festival. “So ang kuan ana kung kuwang gyud mo. But huwam ana gikan sa China.”
Duterte admitted that the United States is unlikely to give financial assistance to the country except if it is related to military aid.
“America wala na. Way ikahatag ang America. Muhatag ang America mga armas. Mao nang mangita ka’g kontra. Ang busog diha ang military. Padala tanan,” he said.
The President said Cebu could no longer expand its narrow roads because it is an “old city.”
He proposed the construction of skytrains similar to the train system in Taiwan to solve its worsening traffic situation.
The problem that you are facing here now is your mobility. Traffic is horrendous. The only way to do it is by utilizing a small commuter train and more highways. I will help you secure a loan for that,” he said. “Just like Taiwan if you have been there. It has a small train that runs across the city. If you start working on trains now, you may be able to complete it in two years,” he added.
Udenna Infrastructure Corp. led by Davao City-based businessman Dennis Uy recently proposed a R78.9-billion monorail transit system in Cebu. The proposal has yet to get a green light from the National Economic and Development Authority. (Genalyn Kabiling)