The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the 18.97-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road Phase 1, a project financed through an official development assistance (ODA) grant extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said the project involves the rehabilitation of several road segments in Lanao del Sur.
“We did not just establish a landmark in a site facing scenic Lake Lanao but this monument area also reminds us that we have the rising and setting sun synonymous with renewal, hope, peace, and wonder for the City of Marawi is back to life,” Villar said.
The fully rehabilitated and improved road network covered by Marawi Transcentral Road Phase 1 are: Bacong-Iligan-Marawi Road, the Bacong-Poona-Marantao-Marawi Road, GMA Terminal Access, Marawi-Cadre-New Capitol, Marcos Boulevard, Idarus Road Section, the MSU-GMA Road, and the Lumindong-Amaipakpak Avenue.
Marawi was devastated by a siege four years ago. The government has since been trying to rebuild the city through infrastructure development projects.
Jica financed the project through a P970.97-million grant.
For his part, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said “the rehabilitation and maintenance of roads is indispensable for the movement of people and transport of goods, which is the reason why Japan has been paying utmost attention to the cooperation initiative towards the recovery of Marawi City.”
Villar said the government will “continue to support Marawi City with the ongoing and future infrastructure projects to be the catalyst of growth and development.”