Kidapawan implements P84.6-million infrastructure projects

KIDAPAWAN CITY – The local government here started Thursday the implementation of P84.6 million in infrastructure development projects, including flood control systems, amid the rainy season and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said part of the huge undertaking was the 19 flood control projects estimated at a total of P44.6-million, which include drainage and open canals to prevent flash floods that hinder public conveyances.

The largest of flood embankments was the improvement of the drainage canal, traversing the town center with a cost of nearly P5 million.

The existing drainage usually overflows during the wet season and imperils the safety of residents.

In addition, some 40 million were allocated for the concreting of the city’s diversion road, which was opened last 2015 as an alternate route for vehicles using the Davao-Cotabato route.

The opening of the alternate route is expected to lessen the traffic flow on the existing highway which renders inconvenience to local public commuters.

“I already gave my marching order to implement the project amid this COVID-19 pandemic“, Evangelista said.

The projects were funded under the 20 percent Economic Development Fund of the city government.