Southern Mindanao gets P14B for infra but road issues may stall projects
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways in Southern Mindanao said it has been given P14 billion — more than enough funds — to implement this year major infrastructure projects in the region consisting of the Davao provinces and Compostela Valley.
The funds will be spent on roads and bridges and other priority projects in 2015, according to Mariano Alquiza, the DPWH regional director.
“There is no problem with the budget, but one problem we are facing is the acquisition of road right of way,” Alquiza told reporters here.
He said the road right of way problem has often caused the delays in the implementation of projects in the region.
“Region 11 got a huge budget for its infrastructure program. It is far bigger than last year’s P7.9 billion. Naturally, with a bigger budget means more projects this year at 723 compared to last year’s 243 projects,” he said.
Among those facing road right of way problems are road projects in this city, and in the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte, according to Alquiza.
The problem on road right of way has also bogged down projects in General Santos City.
General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said the circumferential road there should have been completed in March 2014, if not for the road right of way issue.
Rivera said the road construction was postponed because the city had problems with 40 families, who had settled on a portion of the project.
“I have to intervene so that this project can go on but at the same time, I should not set aside the welfare of my constituents,” he said.
Rivera said the city government negotiated with the affected residents and offered them relocation areas.
The P1.13-billion circumferential road – which starts from Barangay (village) Katangawan to Barangay Apopong – is expected to serve as a more convenient route to Sarangani, Davao Del Sur, and Davao City.
Rivera said the city government – in partnership with the private sector – has been looking for resettlement areas to prevent projects from being delayed by road right of way problems.
Recently, the San Miguel Foundation donated a seven-hectare land in Barangay Upper Tambler, which was intended for the city’s informal settlers or squatter families.
Mary Ann Bacar, head of the General Santos City’s housing and land management office (CHLMO), said San Miguel has already provided basic amenities in the area, such as water and electricity.
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