Mayors in MIGEDC demand more concrete plans and projects
Local chief executives from the member municipalities of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) said they want the experts from Consultants for Comprehensive Environmental Planning, Inc. (CONCEP) to already come up with more concrete, viable and practical recommendations to address pressing problems in the city.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, MIGEDC chair, said the mayors are eager to know what projects or infrastructures they can apply as solutions to problems like weak waste management, inconsistent water and power supply as well as the installation of synchronized and integrated mechanism for coordination and cooperation.
In the Infrastructure Forum held November 10, the consultants presented to the mayors and other stockholders the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras (MIG) Infrastructure Framework Plan, the sector studies and proposals to implement the recommendations based on the interviews, workshops an focus group discussions the consultants conducted.
Initial findings of the study revealed that the funding required for on-going and proposed projects in MIG was 30 billion pesos while the resources available for the period was only 14 billion.
The study, which was funded by AusAid’s Local Governance development program, suggested a system of prioritization across the metro area that should serve as guide by the local government units to implement the more urgent projects, as needs and situations vary in each municipality.
Treñas said he was forward-looking in terms of solutions to the existing problems and exhorted those involved to be more proactive to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other rapidly urbanizing areas.
An MIGEDC press release said the national government ha committed government infrastructure investments in MIG the amount of P13.9 billion, for the period 2004-2010, which include the new Iloilo Airport, the Iloilo Flood control Project, the Iloilo-East Lapuz road, and th Sta. Barbara-Iloilo City road.
Additional national government infra investments in Metro Iloilo in the next three years showed that moderate growth in the national economy will bring about 7.3 billion pesos and high growth may likely provide about 17.5 billion pesos.
As to local government investments, MIG records showed that the LGUs of Iloilo City, Leganes, Oton, Pavia, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara an the province of Guimaras have invested about eight percent of total local income in capital outlays in their respective jurisdiction, from 2002-2006. they may be able to invest a maximum of 7-8 billion pesos in infrastructure investments through a combination of surplus funds and borrowing capacities. (PIA 6/ESS)