DPWH earmarks PHP3B for Tacloban north dev’t

TACLOBAN CITY, April 12 (PNA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here will implement at least PHP3 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the city’s northern villages as part of the long-term development plan in relocation sites allotted for typhoon-displaced families.

A master plan will be prepared within the first semester for the multi-year project to include road right of way acquisition, roads and bridges widening, building of new access roads in housing sites, and extension of the new Tacloban by-pass road.

“We invited consultants to prepare a master plan for this project because President Rodrigo Duterte is committed to complete full development for Tacloban north within his term,” DPWH Eastern Visayas regional director Edgar Tabacon said on Tuesday.

As of March 30, the National Housing Authority built 11,606 housing units with 8,339 shelters classified as "substantially completed." Only 7,479 units have been occupied by beneficiaries so far.

The NHA is supposed to construct 14,333 units intended for the families who lost their houses after super typhoon Yolanda struck this city on Nov. 8, 2013. Resettlement sites are about 15 kilometers north from the city’s commercial district.

“A total development plan for Tacloban north is needed because we will be moving 40 percent of the city’s population within the year,” said city housing and community development office head Maria Lagman.

The PHP3 billion from DPWH is just part of the PHP9.8 billion funding requirement for the Tacloban North Integrated Development Plan, according to Lagman. 

Lagman said the government and the private sector are putting up PHP4.8 billion investments for the construction of permanent houses.

The total additional investment to create city infrastructures was estimated at PHP5 billion in over three years, according to the official.

Included in the proposed outlay is PHP982.5 million to build 655 classrooms. The Department of Education has allocated about PHP700 million this year, according to Lagman.

Other major projects are permanent water supply (PHP570 million), centralized sewage system (PHP383.6 million), agro-industrial and light manufacturing technology park (PHP360 million), and development of eco-tourism and livelihood area (PHP158.9 million).

The city also needs PHP231 million to build a satellite city hall, public market, trading post, bus terminal, police station, fire station, park, sports center, shops and retail center.(PNA)
SARWELL Q. MENIANO