NIA failed to complete P12 billion projects in 2017

MANILA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration failed to complete 436 projects worth P12 billion last year.

Based on NIA’s review, the delays in project implementation were caused by right-of-way (ROW) problems, peace and order situation in project areas, and delay in the release of funds and budget allocation process.

NIA said there were also delays incurred in the bidding process of civil works, unworkable site condition within the project area due to consequences of climate change affecting the construction operations, on-going farming activities, and poor contractors’ performance resulting to extension in project implementation.

Among these, the P552-million Sta. Josefa pump irrigation project in Agusan del Sur suffered the longest delay reaching more than seven years.

“Several extension and rebidding processes were done. To date, about 1,000 hectares of agricultural lands are now being irrigated with the substantial completion of about 95 percent of irrigation facilities,” NIA said.

Approximately P140 million was already allocated for the project this year to ensure completion of the facilities from earth to lined canal to minimize the leakage of irrigation water, particularly at the different lateral canals within the service area of the irrigation system.

NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya directed NIA field management offices to closely monitor and fast track project implementation.

To ensure ROW claims are settled before the start of project construction, NIA aims to include ROW funding in its 2019 budget which will serve as a common fund.

To resolve relevant issues concerning peace and order situation in project areas, NIA signed a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the security of NIA projects.

NIA said the construction of dams and irrigation projects would last for 50 years and more.