Iloilo River Dev't Project faces snag

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The first stage of the Package 2 of the multi-billion Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP) initiated by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which focuses on the Iloilo River Development Project would be delayed after problems on the bidding procedures cropped up.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said Project Manager Engr. Junji Kamata told him that they have to oversee the bidding procedures on the Package 2 of the flood control project after a similar contractor tendered its bid in the Stage 1 Package 1 of the project. Package 1 focuses on the improvement of Tigum River.

Stage 1 of the Package 2 of the IFCP begins at the Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao until the Jaro River. The package includes the construction of a new bridge to replace the already dilapidated Carpenters Bridge.

Kamata along with other Japanese consultants were in Iloilo Wednesday and briefed the mayor of the status of the project.

Treñas said the implementation of the Stage 1 of the Package 2 of the IFCP is supposed to start on the last quarter of 2005. However, because of the problem on the bidding process, it will start first quarter next year.

By international standards, the contractor for the Package 1 could no longer join in the bidding for the Package 2 of the project. The contractor should choose only one phase of the project should he win in both bidding, said Treñas.

When interviewed by the media, Kamata declined to name the contractor. He however assured that he would immediately return to Manila to thresh out the problem and eventually start the implementation of the project.

Based on the program of work the IFCP should be completed by 2009. However, Kamata said they are hoping to finish the project before 2009.

Kamata, who is from CTI Engineering International Co. Ltd. added the funds for the project is already available. The total project cost is P2.5 billion.

However, Kamata said they are expecting a delay in the land acquisition aspect of the project because of the budgetary constraints the Philippine government is facing.

The government will take charge of land acquisition for the relocation of affected families mostly those living along the riverbanks. Currently, the relocation sites in Buntatala, Jaro and Sooc, Mandurriao are already completed.

The city government is also waiting for the release of P59 million from the National Housing Authority (NHA). The budget is intended for the acquisition of the land for the San Isidro relocatees.