Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is looking for interested investors to develop a wharf in Barangay Ortiz, City Proper.
Ortiz wharf is one of the gateways to the island province of Guimaras.
Treñas said the wharf is “in bad shape” and needs to undergo repair and improvement works.
“Even with the existence of Iloilo Ferry Terminal – Parola and future construction of a bridge linking Guimaras and Iloilo, people will still be using Ortiz Wharf because it is near and convenient,” he said.
“We will be looking if there are interested investors. The City Government will not spend for the project.”
The mayor is planning to develop Ortiz Wharf under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Iloilo Economic Development Foundation ( ILED) executive director Francis Gentoral expressed support to the PPP proposal.
“It’s a good idea that needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Given that the national government may not have enough infrastructure budget, the city government should explore PPP as one modality for financing,” he said.
Ortiz Wharf is temporarily closed until Nov. 17, this year as the Iloilo City District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways is currently implementing the restoration works.
Jordan-bound passengers are advised to proceed to the ferry terminal in Parola.IMT
