Friday, August 14, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES [ BusinessWorld Online ]
ILOILO CITY — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said it is finalizing the feasibility study (FS) on a P15-billion irrigation and water supply project in Iloilo province.
NIA-Iloilo Manager Edilberto Lomigo said they will finish the FS on the Jalaur River Multi Purpose Project (JRMPP) in Calinog, Iloilo this year. After the feasibility study, Mr. Lomigo said they will draft the detailed engineering plans next year. Actual construction may start in 2012, he added.
NIA plans to get funds for the project from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank or the Japan Bank of International Cooperation.
The project includes construction of a 106-meter reservoir in Alibunan River in Calinog and a 50-meter basin in Ulian River in the town of Lambunao.
Three catching dams will be placed in different tributaries of the Jalaur River system, while the main canal will pass through the central Iloilo towns of Calinog, Lambunao, Janiuay and Cabatuan.
The project will also intersect NIA’s irrigation facilities in the towns of Oton and Tigbauan in southern Iloilo.
Mr. Lomigo said the Jalaur River project has maximum water reserve of 340 million cubic meters which can supply NIA’s existing irrigation systems in Iloilo.
"The water reserve will enable rice farmers to go into two to three croppings a year. The project can also cover an additional 14 hectares, in addition to the existing 22,000 hectares supplied by five existing irrigation systems," Mr. Lomigo said.
JRMPP can also supply the Metro Iloilo Water District until 2030, aside from being the source of some 14 megawatts of electricity. — F. A. L. Angelo
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