At least 58 projects, worth P800M, on the line

CEBU CITY – Not a single project under the 2012 Annual Investment Plan (AIP) has been implemented by the Cebu City Government.

“As of this date, all projects are not yet implemented due to the order of the Budget Office to attach a Cebu City Development Council (CDC) resolution for all approved projects with no specific title and location upon processing for implementation,” read the letter of City Planning and Development Coordinator Alipio Bacalso.

Bacalso addressed the letter to Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who requested to be updated on the AIP projects for 2012.

Bacalso stated the infrastructure development committee (IDC) has already resolved to endorse the projects to the CDC meeting this Monday at the social hall of the Cebu City Hall Legislative Building.

The 2012 budget includes over P800 million worth of AIP projects to be funded under the Local Development Plan, which is taken as part of the Internal Revenue Allotment.

There are 58 project titles that are up for endorsement by the CDC. One of the projects is the construction of Pasil Park amounting to P5 million.

There are also various road concreting projects for 15 barangays: Babag, Bonbon, Sinsin, Sapangdaku, Pamutan, Sudlon II, Tabunan, Toong, Buhisan, Buot-Taup, Paril, Lusaran, Busay, Sirao and Bacayan.

The road concreting projects that are up for CDC endorsement cost a total of P60.5 million.

Also for endorsement is the P1.4-million construction of a health center in Sitio Alumnos, Barangay Basak San Nicolas.

There are drainage and riprapping projects planned for Barangays Sambag I, Kinasang-an, Camputhaw, Inayawan, Lorega San Miguel, Banilad, Mambaling, Quiot, Tagbao, Tisa, Basak Pardo, San Nicolas Proper, Zapatera and Sudlon I.

Other drainage works are for Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, San Roque, Sto. Niño, Suba, Pahina San Nicolas and Sapangdaku.

Also listed are various artesian well projects and multi-purpose buildings.

Osmeña also asked for an update on the drainage projects from the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).

As of September 13, only about P44.6 million has been approved by the bids and awards committee. Over P55 million is still for survey.

Osmeña wanted to remind the DEPW that when it asked for a P500-million drainage budget, only about half was approved. One condition set was that if the approved P100 million from the general fund and another P100 million plus from the AIP runs out, DEPW can go back to the council for the approval of another budget.

There are only over two months to go before the budget year ends and the AIP projects and drainage projects have yet to be implemented. (Jujemay G. Awit of Sun.Star Cebu)