JICA completes P700 million road rehab in Marawi

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government has completed the third phase of a road network project in the former conflict areas of Marawi which is expected to contribute to the city’s economic growth.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan’s bilateral aid agency, said it has concluded the approximately P700-million and 18.97-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road Project Phase III.

In 2018, JICA offered to help in the area’s recovery through the rehabilitation of Marawi Transcentral Road Phases I and II.

This is part of the two billion yen program for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi and its surrounding areas.

The project aims to construct and improve access roads to arterial roads in Mindanao to boost economic development while supporting peace building efforts.

Prior to the siege, Marawi was a trading hub in Mindanao and the damaged access roads made it difficult for the surrounding communities of Maguindanao, Cotabato and Zamboanga to conduct business.

“Building quality road infrastructure in conflict-affected areas will not only promote better transportation options but more importantly, also encourage revival of trade and investment activities in Marawi,” JICA chief representative Eigo Azukizawa said.

The JICA assistance is in line with the Philippine Development Plan that aims to revitalize Mindanao’s economy and is a component of Japan’s official development assistance for the country.

Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao, also financed by ODA.

The detailed design study of the 19.8-kilometer Marawi Ring Road is also ongoing. To complement this, JICA is aiding the detailed design study for the Matanog-Barira-Alamada-Libungan Road and Tapian-Lebak Coastal Road.

Since 2002, JICA has implemented key projects in Mindanao including on water supply, agriculture, education, and capacity building to strengthen organizations and institutions in conflict-affected areas.

Article was originally published in Philippine Star and written by Louise Maureen Simeon.