By Noel Y. Punzalan
COTABATO CITY, May 26 (PNA) — More than Php70 million worth of infrastructure projects in Cotabato City have been finished as per latest report from the City Engineering Office, Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said Tuesday.
These projects include road construction and rehabilitation, bridge rehabilitation, building construction and renovation.
Guiani said some of these projects such as the Tantawan Site Development, renovation of Day Care Centers, rehabilitation of the City Central Arcade, and the renovation of the City Plaza started in 2011 and this year, these are already 100 percent completed.
Most of the funds used in implementing the city’s infrastructure projects came from local funds and are incorporated in the Annual Development Plan. Some were made possible through the incentives the city has received from national awards such as the Seal of Good Housekeeping.
Guiani said the recognition the city has received in the past years not only made a big impact on the economy of the city but also helped rehabilitate some of the city streets.
“The incentives from the two Seal of Good Housekeeping Awards were all intended in rehabilitating some of our infrastructure projects. This is why we strive in transparency and good governance. We want Cotabato City to be more progressive and beautiful,” Guiani said.
Flood control projects like the maintenance and sanitation of drainage system were also regularly implemented.
Another priority project was the disaster relief and response wherein the city government has purchased rescue boats and is currently constructing the permanent evacuation center.
Among the major projects was the construction of the Double A Halal Slaughterhouse that was already completed in April.
This project was funded by the National Meat Inspection Service with counterpart from the local government.
As of today, the concreting of farm-to-market roads in Barangays Tamontaka 3, 4, and 5 are among the ongoing projects.
Mayor Guiani said farm to market roads was among his priorities for the year 2014 and 2015 in order for the constituents from these far-flung barangays to conveniently transport goods and go to the downtown area of the city.
In the previous years, these barangays suffered from rough roads and were perennially getting flooded during heavy down pour.
“We still have more infrastructure projects to be implemented this year. We aim to finish all the ongoing projects and hopefully, begin new ones with the help of our partners from the line agencies,” Guiani said. (PNA)