Monday, September 15, 2008 More work to cost P810T
USING funds intended for barangay projects that were not implemented, the Cebu City Council approved P810,000 worth of additional work in the renovation of the City Hall Legislative Building.
The amount will cover the installation of wall partitions and construction of plant boxes, a water supply line, cabinets for the councilors’ offices, and some finishing works.
Without other fund sources, the council approved an appropriation resolution last Wednesday charging the amount to the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 1994, 1995 and 1997.
Through a resolution, the City Development Council (CDC) authorized the realignment of projects included in the AIP for those years.
Exchange
The P807,945.95 worth of additional works for the Legislative Building will be funded by savings from the non-implementation of projects listed in the AIP.
Among the unimplemented projects are the construction and installation of artesian wells, drainage system and lighting.
Half of the amount was intended for wall paneling of the mayor’s office in 1997 amounting to P417,265. Mayor Tomas Osmeña approved the realignment.
City Engineer’s Office records showed that the Legislative Building’s renovation cost already reached at least P121 million, covering only the structural, engineering and finishing works.
Finishing
The council occupied the building last December. The P121 million, though, does not include the state-of-the-art district cooling system project that was aborted this year.
Building Administrator Emiliano Cruz said the additional works they requested were among the last items for the renovation that were not included in the original program of works.
“The renovation is complete already; the items requested are just finishing works and the installation of some fixtures. Ang kulang na lang unya ani kay ang mga (What is lacking now are the) security cameras, sound system, and furniture,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.
Last Friday, Vice Mayor Michael Rama was at the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) Manila office to follow up the release of a P5-million balance of its P11-million financial assistance for the landscaping of the City Hall grounds or the Plaza Sugbu.
Rama said the project is finished already but the contractor has yet to receive payment because of delays in the release of the PTA funds.
The original renovation and expansion contract for P65.4 million covered structural, basic plumbing and electrical works.
The second phase included tiles and other fixtures amounting to P13.2 million, while the third phase amounted to P18.5 million, covering variances, change orders, and additional plumbing and electrical works. (LCR)
