DPWH: All systems go for PHP7.9-B Leyte tide embankment project

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PNA) –- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it has overcome all barriers in the implementation of PHP7.9-billion tide embankment project in Leyte.

Some portions of the so-called “Great Wall” project for Yolanda-hit communities will start soon after the bidding and completion of other requirements, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed.

At least six portions of section 4 of the project have been bid out last year. Two more subsections are up for bidding on Jan. 26 and another subsection in early February.

To start this month are two portions of the project under section 4 located in the city’s coastal district of San Jose with a combined budget of PHP686.51, said DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon.

“Construction in two sections is now ready because there are no structures found there. After series and thorough public consultations with affected residents in these areas, we are now on mobilization stage,” Tabacon said.

The 27.3-kilometer tide embankment project stretches from Diit village in Tacloban to Cabuynan village in Tanauan town. Sections 1 to 3 are in Tacloban, section 4 are the coastal villages of Tacloban and Palo, section 5 are some areas in Palo and Tanauan, and section 6 in Tanauan town.

The four-meter high structure was pushed through by the previous administration after the 2013 super typhoon Yolanda’s storm surges wiped out neighborhoods in Leyte province.

“Fisher folks will not be displaced because fish landings are provided,” assured Tabacon in response to issues on displacement of fisher folks.

“In fact, we had tackled all their concerns with Secretary Regina Lopez of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and with other opposing groups. The consensus arrived at, is that DPWH will integrate into the program of works their suggestions to address their concerns that will help in the implementation of the project,” he added.

DPWH project engineer Serafin Lago, Jr. said during the recent meeting with Secretary Lopez, the opposing groups failed to get a nod of DENR to stop the project.

“Hopefully, all issues will completely be clarified. Another step is to give opposing groups a copy of environmental impact assessment, one of the requirements is the issuance of the ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate). We will do it within a week,” Lago said.

The DPWH secured the ECC for the project last year.

Opposing groups claimed that the project’s environmental impact assessment does not present a systematic model for coastal risk assessment.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters’ Sectional Representative Atsutoshi Hirabayashi lauded the Philippine government for resolving all issues related to the project.

Recalling their experience after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the JICA official said all issues were addressed through series of dialogues. The Japan aid agency designed the project and conducted an in-depth feasibility study.

“There were also oppositions in Japan, but it was all resolved through consultation of people and government. Local officials agreed to the project, but they have to make consensus with the people,” Hirabayashi said.

The tide embankment is a project of the national government as a shield of coastal communities against big waves. Its time table covers 2016 up to 2020. (PNA)
LAP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO