Thursday, July 05, 2007 P445-M water project tops Iligan agenda By Richel V. Umel
ILIGAN CITY -- Iligan City, dubbed as industrial city of the south and city of waterfalls, has been experiencing inadequate potable water supplies in key areas of the city.
In lieu of this, the Land Bank of the Philippines finally approved the P445 million loan at the end of 2006 for a sustainable potable water development that would respond to the people's clamor.
Reelected City Mayor Lawrence Lluch, in his inaugural address, urged the Iligan City Waterworks System's (ICWS) technical expert to study carefully and seriously on the details of the feasibility studies in order to attain a quality and sustainable water project that would answer the needs for the next 10 years or more.
This will complement the two pumping stations in Barangay Hinaplanon, the newly completed reservoir in Barangay Luinab and the Tatay spring in the western side of Iligan.
The said priority project will also benefit the industries, farmlands, hotel and tourism industry, health and sanitation.
Environment
Mayor Cruz's second priority is to pursue the on-going implementation of Integrated Solid Waste Management program under the environment sector. More satellite Material Recovery Facilities will be established in the barangays and the promotion of composting to eliminate biodegradable waste and recycling of non-biodegradable waste which will help generate income. This will lead to the gradual closure of the open dumpsite in Barangay Santiago.
Livelihood
Meanwhile, the city mayor's office will extend and approved micro entrepreneur project through the Cooperative Development Livelihood Office. Development assistance will be extended from P1 million to P3 million to improve livelihood income.
Farmers will soon benefit the proposed expansion of Del Monte plantation in Iligan City for pineapple and papaya while abaca industry generates income among farmers.
Barangay development
Mayor Cruz also contemplates barangay empowerment in promoting the model of Zone of Peace like Villaverde village with the support of the Philippine National Police and military to reduce prevent criminality. Installation surveillance camera will be completed that would support the peace keeping initiative.
Mayor further stressed on road network from the hinterland villages to improve and benefit farmers to bring their produce to market at less expense.
Health
For health services, Mayor Cruz committed to improve the health services of Don Gregorio Memorial Hospital where indigents will be given an indigence card so that indigents will be treated at once in times of emergency and regular admittance.
Public service efficiency
At the city hall, Mayor Cruz intends to create innovations to improve the public service among employees in assisting the needs of the people.
Meanwhile, Cruz expressed gratitude to the people's overwhelming support in during the May 14 elections where he almost garnered the 70 percent of the total votes cast.
