The World Bank has expressed interest to fund various infrastructure projects in Sulu that include roads and a major source of potable water for the residents, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has disclosed.
Emil K. Sadain, DPWH undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, said World Bank representatives have reaffirmed the government’s interests to improve the lives of the local residents of Sulu where development projects were stalled over the years due to security issues.
Sadain said among the infrastructure projects were clean water and proper sanitation, opportunity to improve transportation facilities that will also benefit delivery of agricultural products, development and promotion of various heritage and tourism potentials, and building of sustainable communities.
“We believe that all of these will result in the eventual decline of armed conflict due to available and improved economic opportunities,” said Sadain.
A meeting was already held between DPWH officials and World Bank representatives headed by Dr. Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei on July 7.
The discussion focused on the preparation of a detailed engineering design, conduct of civil works and construction supervision for Sulu Mainland Water Supply Project; preparation of a feasibility study, detailed engineering design, conduct of civil works and construction of Jolo Sanitation Development Program; preparation of detailed engineering design, conduct of civil works, and construction supervision for the 161-kilometer Sulu Circumferential and 77-kilometer Transcentral Roads, and additional 42-kilometer loop roads; preparation of master plan and feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and conduct of civil works and construction supervision for Urban Renewal Program at Coastal Communities.
“These projects are aimed at reviving the status of the province of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a main economic and trade hub not only for Mindanao but for the Philippines,” said Sadain.