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THE
state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)
gave assurance recently that Clark Freeport Zone would
definitely have direct access to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway (SCTEx).
The
assurance came in the heels of confusing reports
concerning the absence of an interchange in the newly
constructed expressway that would provide entry and exit
to the free-port zone of Clark.
The
absence of access roads or interchange to Clark became
evident during the soft opening of the SCTEx two weeks ago
when motorists coming from Manila and Subic had to pass
through the Mabalacat exit of the expressway and use the
old and crowded MacArthur High-way before re-entering
Clark Freeport.
The BCDA
said the construction of the Panday Pira Road, which
serves as a vital link from the SCTEx to the Clark Special
Economic Zone through the Clark North-B Interchange, would
start as soon as the Japan Bank for International
Cooperation releases a supplementary loan for the SCTEx.
SCTEx
spokesman Robert Gervacio said work on the Panday Pira
Road would take at least four months to complete.
Gervacio
ruled out the possibility that the Panday Pira access road
could be completed in time for the scheduled opening of
the SCTEx in April this year.
He
explained that deferment of work on the Panday Pira Road
was a strategic decision meant to streamline and
rationalize certain components of the ongoing construction
of the main SCTEx project.
“Much as
we want construction works to go full steam ahead, there
have been some constraints that prevented us from meeting
our original deadlines,” Gervacio said.
He also
called on the stakeholders to continue supporting the BCDA
and the government in pushing the SCTEx to full
completion, instead of standing in the way of the road
builders.
“It is now
a matter of time before we open the SCTEx to vehicular
traffic. Having done that, we can focus on addressing the
concerns of the public, particularly the motorists who
would likely come up along the way,” Gervacio said. | 
