THE multibillion-peso plan to connect Cebu and Bohol provinces through a bridge has been resuscitated after decades of trying but was then shelved for financial constraints and technological limitations.
This surfaced when Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro reportedly showed interest in reviving the plan and bared that she and Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado “are lobbying for the fast-track of the project of the Cebu-Bohol Expressway. This would really help in our tourism and our economic growth in both provinces.”
Aumentado, in his reply to this writer’s query, said, “Actually, I texted her about the SugBohol Bridge. We will ask the National Government or Private Company to conduct FS (feasibility study) of the proposed Bridge.” He refers “SugBohol,” a contraction of “Sugbo” (Cebu) and Bohol.
The idea of building a bridge, called Friendship Bridge of about 22 kilometers long when constructed, was first floated during the incumbency of then Governor Erico Aumentado (2001-2010), father of the governor.
The bridge from Cebu, now said to be linked from Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) to Getafe town of Bohol was then brought up in 2016 and one of the Build, Build Build projects under then President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
But the National Economic Development Authority shelved it for not being feasible considering the gargantuan financial requirement of about P60 billion at that time. Now, it may cost about P90 billion.
The bridge, if constructed and completed, is envisioned for better accessibility. It would shorten travel time from two hours by fast crafts from and to Bohol and Cebu to one hour. (Ric Obedencio)
