Flood control project still needs P4 billion funding
The biggest infrastructure project of the government implemented in Iloilo still needs an additional funding of some P4 billion to finish all project components of the Iloilo flood control.
This will bring the project worth more than P 8 billion including an initial loan of P 4 billion mostly sourced out through a loan by the Philippine government from the government of Japan coursed through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
This was confirmed by Engr. Al Fruto, assistant project manager of the Iloilo flood control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Stage I of the project was funded by more than P 4 billion for two contract packages and bid out in 2006 by Hanjin Heavy Industries for Package I and China International Water and Electric Corporation for Package 2.
The 4.75 kilometer Jaro Floodway, one of the major components of Package 1, is already operational and expected to provide relief from flooding. However, some of the components are scheduled for completion by July 2011.
The floodway starts from Brgy. Pagsanga-an in Pavia, Iloilo to Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City and diverts excess water discharge of Tigum and Aganan Rivers towards the Iloilo strait.
Fruto said the Philippine government is expected to source the additional amount, if possible from JBIC.
DPWH is also looking for assistance from Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon and Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Treñas from their priority development assistance fund, popularly known as pork barrel funds to complete the project.
The major components of Phase 2 of Package I include the raising banks and stretching alignment of the middle section of Jaro River, construction of La Paz floodway, improvement of Dungon Creek, and urban drainage and improvement of Lower Ingore creek, Rizal creek and Bo. Obrero creek.
However, Fruto also said that one of the conditions of JICA in approving the proposed Stage 2 loan is that the project should affect not more than 200 informal settlers.
Considering that 3,500 informal settlers will be affected by the project, the local government unit of affected areas should be responsible for the clearing and relocation of informal settlers within the Jaro River.
DPWH warns that if Stage 2 will not be implemented, and in case another typhoon will come like Typhoon Frank that hit Region 6 in June 21, 2008, flooding in the areas is still expected since only the 20-year flood can be accommodated by the completed Iloilo Jaro Floodway.*PNA
