SUMISIP, Basilan — The construction of the second phase of the 14-kilometer stretch of the 55-kilometer “transcentral road” kicked-off Saturday in Barangay Tumahubong, this municipality.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman led the kick-off rites for the construction of the 14-kilometer part of the road artery that would traverse the rugged hinterland terrains at the center of this province.
They were joined during the ceremony by Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM (DPWH-ARMM) Sec. Don Mustapha Loong, Basilan District Engineer Soler Undug and other officials including the military.
The construction of the road was supposed to have started two weeks ago but was postponed due to inclement weather condition.
Hataman said the transcentral road is designed to spur economic development and improve the peace and order condition of this province.
Hataman said the transcentral road will traverse the Punoh Mahajie-Sampinit area that serves as the remaining safe haven of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this province.
“Its completion will provide easy access to the security forces in the maintenance of peace and order,” he said.
The transcentral road will link this town through Barangay Tumahubong to the barangays of Lower and Upper Mahayahay in Maluso municipality and through Barangay Sta. Clara in Lamitan City.
Hataman said the completion of the project will shorten the travel time and will provide easy access to the transport of farm goods to the trading centers in Maluso, Lamitan City and Isabela City.
Loong said the cost for the construction of the 14-kilometer stretch of the 55-kilometer transcentral is PhP322 million. The entire project is worth PhP1.225 billion.
He said the construction of the transcentral road is a flagship project of ARMM. (PNA)
