City ready to take over Pavia housing project
The Iloilo City government is ready to take over the abandoned P130-million housing project in Brgy. Ungka, Pavia town province after its contractor failed to show up and participate in the project inventory conducted last month.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said efforts to locate Alexander Trinidad of Ace Builders and Enterprises failed and even his former lawyer cannot say where he is.
Mabilog said that enough time was already given for the contractor to show up and discuss the abandoned project since 2003.
Trinidad failed to show he is still interested in the project, necessitating the government’s take-over, Mabilog said.
The housing construction project commenced in 2003 during the term of former Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Its contractor abandoned the project after the city refused to release its fourth billing upon receiving complaints sub-standard materials were used in constructing more than 300 housing units for the project.
The project covers low-cost housing units for the city government’s employees and policemen.
Mabilog said the city may easily get P100 million if it either sells the project or lease it on a long-term basis.
As the city has a shortfall of some P40 million because of salaries and bonuses of city government workers this December, revenues from the housing project may help address part of this shortfall.*PNA
