Plans to push Kalibo integrated transport hub underway

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The local government of Kalibo is pushing ahead to address the traffic problem despite reports that Unitop General Enterprises, Inc. purchased the future location of the integrated transport hub.

Municipal Planning and Development coordinator Engr. Marlo Villanueva said the centralized transport terminal for buses, jeepneys and vans for eastern Aklan routes was envisioned as an economic enterprise by the local government of Kalibo.

But the project’s original plan and design has not materialized after Unitop came in and bought the property located across the Kalibo fire station office along Jaime Cardinal L. Sin Avenue (formerly Quezon Avenue).

Villanueva said Unitop plans to construct a three-storey commercial building and a separate parking area in its one-hectare property. 

He said talks with Unitop for a public-private agreement have started to explore the possible long-term plans for Kalibo to handle the growing mass transport needs.  

The local officials of Kalibo, as of now, are also expected to make a visit in Sta. Cruz in Laguna on how the latter benefited by leasing the parking area of Unitop.  

Kalibo mayor William Lachica said he is not losing hope since negotiations are in the works with Unitop property owners in leasing out the parking area.

Lachica said his administration is pursuing an integrated transport policy to address the traffic management concerns and to serve passengers coming from and going to the eastern part of Aklan to the capital town of Kalibo. 

A transport hub requires larger investments if the local government plans to build an accessible proposed terminal to the riding public with organized parking area for buses and other vehicles, shops, canteen and amenities.  

The integrated transport facility targets to deal with the ‘sprouting’ and formation of terminals for buses, PUVs, mini-buses, vans and tricycles plying the towns of Libacao, Altavas, Balete, New Washington and Banga near Crossing Rotanda.