An amount of P100-Million was allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI for the rehabilitation of drainage systems here.
According to Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, the said amount is utilized to jumpstart the project, which rightfully commences in the city proper area, specifically along Gen. Luna, Jalandoni and J. M. Basa streets and other city streets.
Fruto said that as of to date, the construction of the main drainage outfall to be constructed along Jalandoni Street, is on-going that will start from Gen. Luna Street (Iloilo River) leading to Rizal Street (Iloilo Strait).
“We are currently undertaking the fabrication and installation of 40 units pre-cast Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts (RCBC) with the length of 1.5 meters as well as 210 units of RCBC with the length of 3.0 meters,” Fruto added.
Fruto further said that a feasibility study on the drainage condition in the city was conducted sometime in 2012 and 2013, hence came up with a drainage master plan to establish the most effective engineering intervention to address the perennial drainage issues, which is slated to cost roughly Php 4.235 billion.
Fruto added that due to urgency, the Regional Office is allocating an amount of P85.0 million under its FY 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and additional funds are expected to be progressively provided in the next years until the all drainage systems in the city are completely rehabilitated.
In addition, District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo said that DPWH Illoilo City District Engineering Office is progressively allocating funds to complement the initiative.
Meantime, with regards to the issues of tree -cutting along the affected roads, which became sensational, Fruto said that affected trees along these road sections will no longer be cut.
“A revised design was already presented to the Iloilo City government, which ultimately closed the case of the proposed removal/cutting of trees,” said Fruto.