City Hall implements less than 50% of drainage projects

CEBU City’s Department of Engineering and Public Works  (DEPW)  spent less than half of the P100 million appropriation for drainage projects with  three months left of the year.

As of  Sept. 13, 2012, they  implemented P44.6 million worth of projects cased on records.

The remaining P55.4 million is  earnmarked for 22 drainage projects. Of this, 10 projects are for scheduled survey and 12 projects still need an approved budget and contract.

Cebu City  Mayor Michael Rama said that this is no cause for worry because the budget of these projects are a continuing appropriation that can still be implemented  next year.

He said that bidding can be done earlier to avoid an election infrastructure ban which  takes effect on March 29 before the campaign period for those seeking local posts.

Rama said he will pursue funding for massive drainage improvement projects and infrastructure  in his 2013 executive budget proposal.

He said it is  best to allocate funds to implement the P2.4 billion updated comprehensive drainage master plan.

He  did not explain  why most of  the drainage projects supported by the approved P100 million fund remain unimplemented.

Based on DEPW records, City Hall   implemented 12 projects worth P44.6 million. This includes  drainage improvement along Osmeña Boulevard worth P11 million and  desilting of drainage on the same road worth P0.55 million.

Other implemented projects include the construction of drainage system from Basak Cabreros to Dranix – P8 million, desilting of Colon Street drainage system from Mabini to Guadalupe – P5.3 million, desilting of the Saciangko Street drainage system – P4 million, the construction of a drainage system along J. M. Basa Street – P3.8 million and construction of drainage system from Ceres to Tagunol bridge in the south – P3.5 million.