DPWH chief orders speedy completion of flood control project
Department of Public Works and Highways-Project Management Office for Major Flood Control (DPWH-PMO-MFCPI) chief Patrick Gatan said they are now working double-time for the completion of over P2.5 billion Iloilo Flood Control projects here.
Gatan, in the DPWH’s website said the order to fast track the completion of the infrastructure projects came from DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. The completion of the projects will spare Ilonggos of up to P5 billion annual losses in properties due to floods.
These projects would lessen the destruction the flood will cause to the properties and lives of the people and same time bring development. “Iloilo City has been suffering from flood damages every year due to insufficient flow capacity of the Jaro River and poor drainage system in the Iloilo River Basin,” said Gatan.
The Iloilo Flood Control projects consist mainly of the construction of floodways and river improvement. The two floodways in Jaro and La Paz districts will divert the excess flood discharge of Jaro River towards the Iloilo Strait, said Gatan.
The flood control project is funded by the Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA). It has three contract packages. Package 1 involves the construction of Jaro flood way. The project costs P1,580,361,689.33. The public works department said the project is 79.69 percent complete. Package 1 includes the improvement of Tigum and Aganan River and construction of four bridges to divert the overflow of the Jaro River.
Package 2 of the project amounted to P1,061,208,472.47. The construction of Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao and improvement of Upper Ingore Creek, Jaro River and Iloilo River comprised package 2.
The Carpenters Bridge which is 98.1 percent completed is now one of the busiest and most useful bridges in the city since it serves as a major gateway to the city proper, said Gatan.
The contract Package 3 of the Iloilo Flood Control Project was allocated for the construction and development of three relocation sites. The project provides shelter for the informal settlers in the city. The contract Package three amounting to P29, 552,223.05 covers the construction and development of relocation sites in Buntatala, Sooc and Kasadyahan.
The DPWH has given the project 100 percent completion rate. It provided adequate water supply, lighting system and livelihood projects for 3,000 families in each relocation sites, said Gatan.