Eight-kilometer boulevard up for development
An eight-kilometer boulevard is up for development in Iloilo City as part of the second phase of the multi-billion Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP).
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the proposed boulevard will start at the Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao up to Forbes Bridge in Lapaz district.
Treñas said proper coordinations are being made to thresh out problems that may arise in the development of the proposed boulevard.
The mayor also admitted that the realization of the project will take years considering the funding and the properties affected by it.
Treñas assured the mangroves growing at the bank of the Iloilo River would not be affected by the proposed boulevard.
An assessment made by the City Agriculture Office (CAO), showed that there are about 3,000 mangroves growing at the bank of the Iloilo River. Of the 3,000 mangroves, 25 of the 35 species of mangroves grow in the area.
Mangroves serve as feeding and breeding areas for crabs, shrimps and fishes. However, their existence is also threatened by the continuous siltation of the Iloilo River. Nearby residents also cut and use mangroves as firewood.
Meanwhile, the new Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao will be officially opened next month. The contractor of the project, China-International Water and Electrical Corporation assured its full completion in May 2008. They are about to finish the construction of the bridge's approaches.
The construction of the bridge is part of the Phase II, Contract Package No. 2 of the Stage 1 of the IFCP worth P230 million being awarded to China-International Water and Electrical Corporation.