Cebu City’s PHP10-M Anti-Drought Projects Remain Unimplemented For Lack Of Bidders

The Cebu City Government’s project to construct some PHP10 million worth of water catchments in the 28 mountain villages, which was supposed to help counter the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon, has remained unimplemented for lack ofbidders, an official said.

Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the city government had targeted to have these projects in place last year yet, particularly before the start of the dry season.

But Mercado said these projects were delayed because no contractor participated in the bidding.

Mercado said the project failed to attract contractors because one unit of water catchment does not cost much and these projects will be implemented in remote upland villages.

Mercado said the bids and awards committee twice declared a failure of bidding for the water catchment projects.

The first one was last year while the second one was just this month.

Mercado said each of the 28 barangays will supposedly have three water catchments that can store at least 150 cubic meters of water.

Each water catchment only cost PHP117,332, or PHP351,996 for three units.

The amount covers the earthworks for the construction of the 110-square meter water catchment, as well as the installation of pond liner.

The bidding for the project is made per barangay, Mercado said, considering that the locations of each project are far from each other. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS