ILOILO City – Councilor Ely Estante Jr. proposed the creation of a permanent office or commission to coordinate the implementation of national government-funded projects here, particularly public works and infrastructure.
This proposal was part of his committee’s (Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on public works and infrastructure) report relative to the delayed projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in this southern city.
The delay was being blamed for the constant flooding in Iloilo City.
Last year Mayor Jose Espinosa III created Task Force Infra to serve as coordinating and monitoring body. However, said Estante, it was “ad hoc in nature” and subject to the whims of whoever sat as local chief executive.
“Besides, I observed that the task force lacked teeth and was simply ignored,” said Estante.
Espinosa himself complained that the local DPWH seldom coordinated with the city government in implementing infrastructure projects.
“It is high-time we bring this matter to the attention of our DPWH Secretary,” said Espinosa.
The city government was also helpless on the perennial problem of flooding, he added.
The most that the city government could do to ease the problem was de-clog sewers and come up with a traffic plan, said Espinosa.
According to the mayor, he may issue an executive order that requires contractors of DPWH to first secure permits from the city government before starting projects.
“Ginapatun-an ko na ina sa aton legal office,” said Espinosa.
Another proposed executive order, he said, would require a drainage component to DPWH’s road projects in the city.
The city government must not remain helpless, according to Estante./PN
