Baguio, CDIA forge pact

THE Cities Development Initiative for Asia will conduct pre-feasibility studies for green and integrated wastewater management for Baguio City.

The city government of Baguio entered a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the CDIA September 25 for the conduct of pre-feasibility studies for green and wastewater management for Baguio, which aims to assess the current wastewater and septage management situation for both sewered and non-sewered areas in the city.

The CDIA earlier approved the application of the Baguio City government for technical assistance dated March 31, 2014.

CDIA will provide a grant of $225,000 (US) or about P10 million through the Asian Development Bank Fund.

The PFS seeks to improve the environment and public health in Baguio by "improving sanitation infrastructure and capacity in urban management; improving surface and groundwater quality; and promoting private sector participation in the provision of urban services.”

Its focus includes interventions in infrastructure needs and system needs such as the city's satellite wastewater treatment plan which it may pursue "to manage wastewater, septage and protect water resources and safeguard public health.”

It also aims to identify local capacity gaps and provide measures to help the capability of the local technical team particularly the City Environment and Parks Management Office and other agencies concerned in conducting feasibility studies for future infrastructure projects and help them instill institutional changes to improve implementation of their projects.

The conduct of a PFS is also to prepare a proposed infrastructure for possible funding from the national government through the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program, Asian Development Bank and other financing institutions to further help the city in improving its sanitation structures.

As counterpart, the city government of Baguio will provide 20% of resources at the amount of $51,074 (US) or more than P2M as part of its commitment to the project.

The counterpart of the city government will be used in the establishment of an office, equipment and supplies in a Program Management Office; utilities; meal, transportation and wages of the personnel; and for the funding of other needs.

After the pre-feasibility studies, CEPMO head Cordelia Lacsamana told Sun*Star Baguio possible public-private partnership arrangements may also be explored.

The conduct of the project will start on October until April 2015 which will include series of consultations with national and international specialists in wastewater management; urban drainage; environmental and climate change; and in social development.

Aside from the city of Baguio, San Fernando City in La Union will also be provided with the same technical assistance by the CDIA.

In his weekly press forum, city mayor Mauricio Domogan mentioned the city is expecting another agreement but reserved details while the agreement is not yet signed.

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