Clarification on reclamation works in fish port project sought

THE Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) asked the City Government of Tacloban to seek a permit in relation to the construction of the proposed P44.3-million fish port complex.

In a communication to the City Government dated September 11, Peter Anthony Abaya, PRA general manager and CEO, has sought for clarification if the fish port project includes reclamation works since the agency has the regulatory and propriety functions on all projects requiring reclamation.

“Records of this office show that there has been no clearance or approval issued nor has there been any application received for the reclamation component of the project. As the government agency responsible for regulating all reclamation projects throughout the country, may we advise your office to coordinate the reclamation component with this agency pursuant to existing laws and issuances,” Abaya said.

Based on the project description provided by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), the Tacloban fish port project will involve site development and utilities works such as demolition, clearing and disposal of existing structure, removal and disposal of unsuitable materials, reclamation works, supply installation, construction of retaining wall, installation of mooring bitts and rings, among others.

As this developed, Dionisio de Paz, OIC city engineer, said personnel from PRA had already conducted ocular inspection of the proposed site for the fish port complex.

“It was already clarified to PRA that there will no reclamation works are involved in the project. In fact, the area is already a reclaimed part of Barangay 37. Instead, a shore line protection in the existing shallow area will be put in place to prevent soil erosion,” de Paz said over dyVL radio.

“Dredging will also be made on the shallow area to provide wide docking space for large fishing boats,” de Paz added.

He said the project is targeted to start within this quarter and is only waiting for a notice to proceed and award to the winning contractor. The project is expected to be finished within 12 months.

Once completed, the facility is expected to attract canning operations, fish mill plants and possible fishery investments.

The fish port construction was supposed to be implemented two years ago but was shelved by the PFDA due to some problems on the ownership of the proposed site. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)