Construction of P15-B Jalaur Irrigation Project to commence in 2012
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here is optimistic that the construction of the proposed P13-15 billion Jalaur River Multi Purpose Project in Calinog, Iloilo will kick off in 2012.
NIA manager Engr. Edilberto Lomigo said it was former Senator Franklin Drilon who requested Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to revive the project that was suspended in 1986 after a study conducted for the project showed that it has a low investment return.
The proposed revival already includes irrigation improvement, potable water and freshwater culture.
Lomigo added that they are now finalizing the feasibility study (FS) which is one of the requirements needed to apply for the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
It will also be presented to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for endorsements to funding institutions. Lomigo said they hoped to avail of funding support from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) and the World Bank (WB).
He added that hopefully they can start with the detailed engineering in 2010 and the construction by 2012.
Lomigo disclosed that based on the study two reservoir will be constructed; one at the Alibunan River in Calinog with a height of 106 meters and Ulian River in Lambunao with a height of 50 meters.
It will have three catching dams in different tributaries and the main canal will run from Calinog- Calinog-Lambunao-Janiuay- Cabatuan and down to NIA’s two irrigation systems in Tigabaun and Oton.
Lomigo said that if completed, the project will be supplying water to NIA’s existing irrigation systems that will ensure farmers of two to three cropping every year given its water reserve of up to 340 million cubic meter.
“We are very optimistic that this will proceed. Once realized we can cover an additional 14 hectares in addition to the existing 22,000 hectares which are being supplied by our five irrigation systems,” he said.
Also its potable water component can provide domestic water supply of up to 2030 based on the supply need of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).
It also has the capacity to generate some 14 megawatts of electricity that it can supply to Calinog and Lambunao towns.
Meantime, Lomigo underscored the cooperation and support of the local government unit (LGU) of Calinog under Mayor Alex Centena.
He disclosed that Centena has committed to provide a relocation site for families that will be displaced by the project.
In an earlier interview, Centena also cited the benefits that his town would avail, including livelihood for his constituents and increased economic activity in the LGU.
He also expressed his gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as he attributed the project the President.
Centena projected that the billion-peso project will push “Calinog to become a city someday.” (PNA)