THE rehabilitation of the fish port in the Municipality of Concepcion, Iloilo is expected to commence early 2020.

Officers of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) led by country director Song Min Hyeon paid a courtesy visit on Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Tuesday, November 5, to update the governor on the project. They were accompanied by Concepcion town Mayor Raul Banias.

Koica is funding the rehabilitation project worth $3 million through grant-in-aid.

The fund will be transferred to the Iloilo Provincial Government in December. The province will undertake the procurement process.

“The amount was approved four years ago. But the country director assured us that on the first month of January, we will again request for additional fund,” Banias said.

The mayor said the project is expected to commence in March 2020 and will be completed in one year and a half. It will involve the construction of a new fish port facility. The old fish port will be converted into a transport terminal.

The Provincial Engineering Office is now finalizing the detailed engineering. The Provincial Legal Office is also working on the memorandum of agreement, he said.

“A 6,500-square meter will be reclaimed for the new fish port facility. The coastway will be extended by about 200 meters so that during low tide, the fishing boats can still dock,” the mayor said.

The project is expected to spur the economic growth of the town, particularly on fish trading. It will open bigger space for selling and trading and ensure that fish products are fresh and clean.

Another component of the project is the sustainable livelihood. KOICA has already conducted livelihood training for the fisherfolk. (PR)