ILOILO CITY -- The construction of the PHP11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) II in Calinog, Iloilo is expected to be completed after four years of work, Senator Franklin Drilon said Thursday.
“On Dec. 31, 2022, this (JRMP II) dam will be in full operation,” Drilon announced in his speech during the signing of the PHP12.35-billion joint venture agreement between the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and the Metro Pacific Water (MPW) in this city.
His statement came a few days after administrator Ricardo Visaya of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced here that the Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. is already in full mobilization after they were issued with the notice to proceed last November 29.
However, Drilon said that there is no schedule yet on the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
“But the formality of the groundbreaking can come later. What is important is that the work on the Jalaur dam has already started and (is) scheduled to be completed after 48 months,” he said in a follow-up media interview.
Drilon said the construction of the preparatory structures in the area has already begun. The actual construction of the dam may start summer season of 2019 so that the rain will not hamper the construction works, he added.
He also confirmed that NIA has invited President Rodrigo Duterte to lead the groundbreaking and the agency has been waiting for the President’s reply.
It can be recalled that NIA and Daewoo signed the contract last September for the construction of the project.
Funded by a loan from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of South Korea, the mega dam covers the construction of the 109-meter Jalaur High Dam, 38.5-meter Afterbay Dam, 10-meter Alibutan Catch Dam, 80.74-km. Highline Canal, and its secondary structures. (PNA)
