Two local government units in Negros Occidental will implement a total of P2.5 billion in infrastructure projects, including construction of irrigation canals, dredging and desiltation of major waterways and purchase of dredgers for flood control.
In Hinobaan, a P2-billion irrigation highway, considered a “mega project” by Mayor Ernesto Estrao, will soon be constructed.
Estrao said the project has been included in the town’s Annual Investment Plan, and approved and endorsed by the Provincial and Regional Development Councils.
It had been proposed during his second term under the administration of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and eventually materialized during the term of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The mega project will convert Tiabanan River in Barangay Asia into an irrigation highway, which will irrigate 2,000 hectares in eight barangays, including Daug, Bulwangan, Asia, Alim, San Rafael and Bacuyangan as well as Barangay Nabulao in Sipalay City.
The highway irrigation canal will also cover 39 kilometers, with concrete road, he added
The Tiabanan River will also be converted into a hydro-election plant, which can generate 2.4MW of power, and potable water.
Estrao said the mega project, which he had requested from President Rodrigo Duterte, already has already an initial funding from the General Appropriations Act for feasibility study, survey and social preparation.
In Himamaylan City, the city government is eyeing a P500-million loan to finance its major projects, including the purchase of two dredgers for the coastal areas, and development of Aguisan port, and flood control projects, among others.
Mayor Raymund Tongson said on Saturday that they will start the dredging and desiltation of rivers and other waterways by the third quarter of the year, using the city government’s equipment.
The dredging project in the Himamaylan coastal areas is similar to the design made for E.B. Magalona town, Tongson said.
He added that the development of Aguisan port already started in 2019, by deepening the depth, with barges already coming in at the port.
The city is also finalizing with the Philippine Port Authority the proposal for the port management takeover. – GB
