DPWH seeks WB financing for several infrastructure projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking the support of the World Bank for the development of several infrastructure projects aimed at providing sustainable growth in Sulu.

Public Works and Highways Undersecretary and Build Build Build chief implementer Emil Sadain said initial talks have been made with World Bank officials for financing investment on rehabilitation and asset preservation of pavement condition to facilitate road accessibility improvements, as well as to help address the inadequacy of water supply in Sulu province.

Sadain said the initial budgetary projections for the proposed road and water projects is estimated at $50 million.

“With the help of World Bank, we are looking forward to implement development infrastructure projects in Sulu as an opportunity to improve social service delivery to reduce poverty and boost peacebuilding efforts that will help ensure inclusive growth,” he said.

The projects include the improvement and preservation of the 162-kilometer Sulu Island Circumferential Road, as well as addressing the problem of lack of access to safe water through provision of water supply and sanitation service.

The DPWH is proposing that about 40 percent or 64.8 kilometers of the Sulu Circumferential Road undergo upgrading and rehabilitation, while the remaining 60 percent or 97.2 kilometers will undergo asset preservation works to extend the lifespan of road pavement.

Officials from the agency and the World Bank have conducted on-the-ground field assessment of the operation of existing groundwater supply sources at Camp Asturias (Kiram Spring) Pumping Station in Jolo, and Gravity Feed Pumping Station in Patikul.