ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 14 (PNA) — The city government is speeding up the processing of the documentary requirements to start the rehabilitation of the sports complex before the election ban takes effect.
Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), told the Philippines News Agency they are optimistic the rehabilitation of the sports complex can start either next month or January next year.
The government has allocated PHP214 million to rehabilitate the sports complex, which Apolinario said is set to be completed in six months.
Apolinario said they will seek for an election ban exemption once the rehabilitation works will commence to ensure the project completion on time.
Atty. Stephen Roy Cañete, first district election officer, said the election ban will take effect March 25.
Cañete said the local government can seek election ban exemption though they are still waiting for the 2016 guidelines on election ban concerning infrastructure projects.
“Based on experience, they submit to the Comelec the list of ongoing projects that are certified by the City Engineer’s Office and the listed projects are considered exempted,” he said.
The Joaquin Enriquez Sports Complex will undergo major facelift as most of its facilities were destroyed since it has served as the biggest evacuation center for the more than 100,000 people who were displaced in the 21-day September 2013 siege. (PNA)