NEDA Board extends, OKs changes to flood projects

THE National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board has revised the implementation period and approved changes in the scope of work of two major flood-control projects in the capital region and nearby provinces, resulting in cost increases.

The Board, which met at the presidential palace on Tuesday, approved a 65-month extension for the implementation period of the Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project, which was initially set to be implemented from October 2019 to April 2024.

This more than doubled the project cost to P22.04 billion from P9.9 billion, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

The project aims to “mitigate flood damage in the lower reach of San Juan River Basin and its adjacent Maalimango Creek Drainage Area in Cavite.”

The Board also approved a 63-month extension for the implementation of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project-Phase IV, which was expected to be implemented by December this year.

The scope of work for the project was also revised, including the widening of diversion channels and adding drainage channels, the PCO said.

“Another adjustment was a loan reallocation worth 1.04 billion yen from consulting services (384 million yen) and contingencies,” it added.

It said that as of Sept. 30, the project had an overall physical accomplishment of 44.21% “with a negative slippage of 55.79%.” It has a fund use rate of 35.42% or P3.5 billion already disbursed, according to the palace.

The Board also approved a 63-month extension for the implementation of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project – Phase IV, which was expected to be implemented by December.

This increases the total cost by 74.32% or P24,599.29 million to P57,696.87 million from P33,097.58 million.

There will also be changes in scope of work such as the design of the Middle Marikina River, modifications in drainage facilities, and additional work, the PCO said.

“A loan reallocation totaling 3.37 billion yen from consulting services (1.73 billion yen) and contingencies (1.65 billion yen) to the civil works component was also approved by the Board, including a supplemental loan of 45.76 billion yen,” it added. 

Set to benefit residents of the cities of Pasig, Marikina and Quezon City in Metro Manila, and the municipalities of Taytay and Cainta in Rizal, the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project aims to mitigate flood damage in the capital region caused by channel overflow of the Pasig-Marikina River.

Meanwhile, the PCO said the NEDA Board had also approved the implementation of the locally financed Philippine International Exhibition Center project and the acquisition of 40 units of fast patrol craft to be funded through official development assistance. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza