Iloilo: The bidding to complete the high line canal of the Jalaur River Multipurpose II (JRMP II) project in Iloilo province is ongoing, with the target to complete the last infrastructure component by the end of 2026. 'We are banking on the capacity, knowledge, and experience of our local contractors when it comes to irrigation projects to fast-track the implementation of our project. We are looking into this positively,' said JRMP II spokesperson Steve Cordero in an interview on Tuesday. He added that they are looking forward to its completion so its bulk water component could start.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cordero explained that the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and international contractor Daewoo signed a mutual contract amendment where the scope of work of the project contractor would only cover dams and portions of irrigation canals. Daewoo completed the construction of three dams inaugurated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July last year, and 16 kilometers of the 80-km high line canal, traversing nine Iloilo municipalities before ending its contract on Nov. 15. Cordero said the foreign contractor has faced challenges with the high-line canal due to the complexity of the construction and lack of familiarity with the terrain.
The status of the JRMP II project was included in the agenda of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council during its meeting presided over by its chair, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Tre±as, on Monday. In an interview, he said they are excited about the project, which will provide more water for Iloilo City. 'With the completion of the Jalaur dam, highland canals, and the proposed partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital, alongside the desalination plant, we are hopeful that Iloilo City will finally have a stable supply of potable water,' the mayor said.
The overall physical accomplishment of the JRMP II as of January was 77.49 percent. The project is eyed to expand the irrigation service area of NIA by 9,500 hectares of rain-fed agricultural land on top of the existing 22,340 hectares. It stands to benefit 25,000 farmers and increase rice production by an estimated 338,874 metric tons per year.
