A MEGA project called the Irrigation Highway, which is worth P2 billion, is underway in Hinoba-an.
Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao said the project will irrigate eight barangays in Hinoba-an and one in Sipalay City that will cover more than 2,000 hectares, with Tiabanan River in Barangay Dawog as the main source.
The barangays that will benefit from the irrigation highway, which is about 39 kilometers long, are Barangays Dawog, Bulwangan, Asia, Alim, San Rafael, Bacuyanhan and Talacagay in Hinoba-an and Nabulao in Sipalay City.
The Tiabanan River will also be the source of about 2.4 megawatts of hydropower and a rich source of potable water, Estrao said.
Estrao said public hearings have been conducted and he is hoping that the project will not be jeopardized by oppositions who are from outside the municipality, just like what happened with what was supposed to be huge projects in the municipality by foreign investors.
After the public hearing, infrastructure preparation will start, Estrao added.
The project will be funded by the national government through the National Irrigation Administration.
Estrao also revealed plans to discuss with the mayors of Basay and Bayawan, Negros Oriental of opening the border in Barangay Sangke in Hinoba-an.
"I will discuss with them our plan to allow residents from their towns in our municipality, provided they can only stay here for 12 hours in a day and they must follow and observe health protocols," Estrao said.
Although resorts and other tourism destinations in the town have been open, they still do not allow tourists from outside the town.
Those who wish to enter the town are also required to present a medical certificate as precautionary measures against Covid-19, Estrao added.