NEDA gives P5.9-billion worth of irrigation projects the greenlight

Two irrigation projects, which are among 38 official development assistance (ODA)-funded projects previously reported as facing delays, will soon catch up on implementation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported.

These projects are the P2.5-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project and the Pampanga Delta Development Project worth P3.4 billion.

The first project aims to assist some 4,549 farmers in Central Mindanao. This involves the construction of a diversion dam and drainage facilities to irrigate 10,840 hectares of land. It is also expected to improve the living condition and increase the income of farmers in the region.

The project is expected to be completed by May 2001.

The second project aims to provide assistance to some 7,000 Pampanga farmers. Targeted for completion by October 2002, the project involves the construction of a diversion dam, including supply and installation of gates, pumping station, irrigation and drainage canals and their related structures, in farm and project facilities.

The NEDA said contractual problems had previously delayed work on the two projects. These, however, have been resolved, paving the way for the start of implementation in one or two months, pending review by Malacañang of the respective contracts.

Meanwhile, in the social development sector, the Early Childhood Development Project, which aims to cut by half infant mortality rate, child mortality rate, protein-energy malnutrition, and drop-out rates in elementary schools in the country, is also being fast-tracked to free it from contractual delays.

At present, NEDA and the other implementing agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education Culture and Sports, and the Department of Health, are exploring ways of speeding this project's implementation by addressing the problems of liquidation and fund replenishment.

Started in September 1998, the project is expected to be finished by the year 2004.