Delay in P800-M PAF replication project to affect Mactan airport T2 construction

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 19): Delay in P800-M PAF replication project to affect Mactan airport T2 construction

The delay in the implementation of the P800-million replication project of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) facilities at the nearby Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base will affect the construction of the Mactan-cebu International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2).

Louie Ferrer, chief marketing officer of the GMR-Megawide consortium, which won the bidding for the P17.5-billion project to improve and manage the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, said they cannot start yet the construction of the T2 early next year.

Ferrer said finishing the construction of T2 is hugely dependent on the PAF replication project, as the PAF facilities may only be moved from the area where part of T2 will rise when PAF’s relocation site is ready.

Megawide, which is part of the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), wanted to participate in the bidding of the PAF replication project to fast-track the removal of the airbase facilities, but it was disqualified by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC)-Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA).

Ferrer said they respect their decision, but requested them that the PAF be relocated as soon as possible so they can start the construction of T2.

Under the concession agreement, it is the responsibility of DoTC-MCIAA to remove the PAF facilities within the year so Megawide can start the construction of T2 early next year.

The DoTC has yet to award the PAF replication project to a contractor.

GMR-Megawide consortium emerged as the highest bidder in the P17.5-billion Mactan airport expansion project after offering a bid premium of P14.4 billion for the management and development of MCIA.

Under a 25-year concession agreement, GMR-Megawide will build a new, world-class international passenger terminal building, whose construction would begin in 2015 so it would be ready for use in 2018.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/delay-in-p800-m-paf-replication-project-to-affect-mactan-airport-t2-construction