The rehabilitation of the quake-hit port of Clarin is projected to be completed before the year ends and accessible by both cargo and passenger vessels by August.
“Hopefully, sa sunod buwan, Agosto or Septyembre ready na siya madungguan sa mga rolling cargoes or even sa mga passenger vessel nga modunggo sa atoang pantalan,” said Clarin Mayor Allen Piezas.
Piezas, after a meeting on Tuesday with Philippine Ports Authority officials on the progress of the facility, said that only minor works were left to be completed.
“Sa atong port rehabilitation, nahuman human na gyud siya naa lay ginagmay nga kuwang-kuwang karon nagtaod na tag suga sa iyang kilidkilid,” he added.
The national government allocated a P60-million budget for the rehabilitation and another P125 million proposed as budget for the facility’s expansion.
Piezas expressed excitement over the nearing completion of the pier which was severely damaged by the 7.2-mgnitude tremor that jolted Bohol in 2013.
He projected that the re-opening of the port will boost tourism and economic growth in the town.
“Very positive ta niana [pantalan] nga makatampo g’yud na not only sa tourism aspect, apil na pud niana sa economic activity,” he said.
The mayor also announced the possibility of opening a Clarin-Mandaue route, on top of the trips between Cebu City and the town. (R. Tutas)