GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/06 August) — The local government of nearby Koronadal City has launched the preparatory works for the construction of its planned modern integrated transport terminal complex.
Mayor Peter Miguel said the city engineering office recently started the widening and concreting of the road networks leading to Purok Yellow Bell in Barangay Sta. Cruz here in preparation for the terminal complex’s actual construction, which is expected to begin before yearend.
“These are alternate roads that would connect the proposed terminal complex to the city’s main highway, the downtown area and major government offices, including the city hall,” he said.
The mayor said the city government is currently finalizing the acquisition of the 5.9-hectare proposed terminal complex site, which costs around P40 million.
He said they are working on the completion of the project’s development and financial plan, which would determine its financing requirements.
Miguel said the local government is initially looking at seeking a bank loan for the project, which it earlier adopted as among its priority development initiatives for this year.
The city government initially approved last year the appropriation for the acquisition of the city terminal’s site through a P60-million supplemental budget, which was sourced from the city’s unutilized appropriation for various projects from 2001 to 2009.
Part of such appropriation was set aside by the local government for the purchase of a 10-hectare property in Barangay Paraiso that it plans to develop as a sanitary landfill.
Based on the local government’s initial plan, the proposed integrated terminal’s main building will cover two hectares and the rest of the site will serve as buffer area or spot for future developments.
It will adopt the “green” concept in terms of architecture and facilities, specifically the use of natural ventilation, natural lighting (skylight) and energy-efficient light-emitting diode or LED lights.
The facility will also provide adequate green open spaces and the design would ensure the preservation and integration of the land’s existing natural water bodies and features.
Miguel said such concept was based on the local government’s “green economy” advocacy that integrates the sustainable development approach to its socio-economic programs.
The mayor said such advocacy is anchored on his desire to provide a clearer, doable and sustainable climate change-responsive development direction for the city.
“This is the development that we want for Koronadal, a socio-economic development that does not compromise the needs of the future generation,” the mayor said.
Aside from the integrated transport terminal, Miguel said the city government’s priority initiatives for the next two years include the development of the city’s Rizal Park into a theme park “with environment and child-friendly facilities and family-oriented spaces”; improvement of the local public markets to make them competitive with the malls; development of the old city hall complex into a prime cultural center; establishment of a sanitary landfill; and, the relocation of public cemetery. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)
