COTABATO CITY – Public works officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) vowed to continue infrastructure projects in the region despite the possible transition into a new political entity with the expected passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman led the turn over of PHP58-million worth of new heavy equipment to various engineering district offices on Wednesday, saying he hopes the machineries would expedite the implementation of projects and sustain infrastructure development in the region.
Hataman said three units of excavators were turned over by the regional government to Lanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi engineering offices, while the remaining four units of six-wheeler dump trucks and a unit of an amphibious excavator are set for delivery to the region’s engineering district offices in Maguindanao, Basilan and Sulu.
Hataman said the new pieces of heavy equipment would augment the workforce as the region pours new infrastructure investments. Priorities, he said, were given to Marawi City to help in the recovery and rehabilitation of the city and nearby municipalities.
“The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) is now working to help in the timely completion of the development works in Marawi City (which suffered in) last year’s conflict,” Engr. Luzvimin Sani of Lanao del Sur’s first engineering district, said.
In the second engineering district of Lanao del Sur, Engr. Abib Arumpac expressed elation upon receiving the district office’s first-ever excavator.
“This can help in the de-clogging of drainage and waterways since we experience landslides in our areas,” Engr. Arumpac said.
With the number of infra projects in Tawi-Tawi, Engr. Tony Kamlani said the new equipment would help the province accomplish infrastructure projects on time.
For Maguindanao, Hataman said its two engineering district offices would also soon have its new equipment to work on flood control projects and augment the dredging works in Rio Grande de Mindanao. Masses of water hyacinths have been identified as the major cause of flooding in low-lying municipalities of the province.
“The governor’s reform programs over the past several years were not merely focused on good governance, but it included distribution of quality equipment as well,” DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Mustapha Loong said.
Loong said with more infrastructure projects, people in the region will have better access to tourism sites, boosting the region’s economy as transport of goods and products would be cheaper.
Currently, Hataman said the regional government has completed 1,468 kilometers of roads, 84 bridges, 188 water supply systems, 28 flood control structures, 55 drainage systems, 75 seaports, and 49 shore protection projects, among others. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
