The Cebu City Government has yet to implement some P108 million worth of flood mitigation and prevention projects due to delayed funds and the election ban starting from the May 10 national and local elections and the barangay ang Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 25.
These projects would have protected residents of Cebu City from flash floods brought by the rainy season.
The funds for the flood mitigation projects were included in the third supplemental budget approved early this year during the term of former mayor Tomas Osmena, now south district congressman.
In the barangays of the north district, the construction of drainage systems, riprap walls, irrigation canals and lined canals has not yet started.
North district village chiefs said the delayed release of funds was the reason they have failed to immediately start implementing their projects.
Capitol Site Barangay Captain Erwin Guanzon said they are still in the bidding phase.
Although the supplemental budget was approved early this year, funds for their projects were released only last month, said Paril Barangay Captain Casimero Pilones.
Cebu City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva said funds for the projects in the south district were released first since their officials were the first to immediately prepare the program of works and estimates(POWE).
Under the third supplemental budget, P27.2 million was supposed to go to the north district barangays, including Apas, Budlaan Capitol Site, Ermita, Lorega, Paril and Taptap, for the construction and repair of drainage systems.
At least P4.3 million was allocated for riprapping projects in barangays Cambinocot, Ermita, Guba, Pariol and Sambal 11; P3.7 million for irrigation canals in Barangays Adlaon, Cambinocot, Lusaran, Paril and Sirao; and for lined canals in Adlaon, Capitol Site, Luz, Mabolo and Sambag 11.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he wants the flood prevention projects implemented immediately, considering the recent heavy rains.
But the city also has to deal with the Commission on Elections infrastructure ban, which will be in effect until Nov. 10 2010. - source: PNA
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