The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently working on the construction of a road aimed at providing a reliable access to the special economic zone in the Municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
The DPWH is implementing a 39.81 kilometers access road leading to the Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate – Special Economic Zone (NANIE-SEZ) under the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Trade and Industry (ROLL-IT) Program in convergence with the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI).
In a progress report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary for Mindanao Operations Eugenio R. Pipo Jr., DPWH Regional Office 13 Director Pol M. Delos Santos bared that as of first quarter of 2024, the access road project has reached 30 percent completion based on the total project cost of P3.21 billion.
“This accomplishment rate translates to 7.45-kilometer of serviceable concrete and gravel roads constructed with the release of funds from 2018 to 2023 in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) amounting to P762.65 million,” Director Delos Santos said.
Director Delos Santos further explained that the road portions opened for use by residents of Nasipit town are completed with road slope protections, lined canal drainages, and metal guardrails on determined priority areas to ensure road safety.
The access road project seeks to connect through effective road infrastructure network the 62-hectare NANIE-SEZ to vital points of trade and nearby market centers in the area, namely: the Port of Nasipit that is only 100 meters away; the Bancasi Airport just about 30 minutes ride; and, the Butuan City proper at 25 kilometers.
Targeted for completion in December 2027, the NANIE-SEZ Access Road is expected to spur economic growth in the Caraga Region by enticing investors to develop the vast fertile lands and ensuring efficient transport of people, goods, and services to and from the economic zone.