Finish infrastructure projects during dry season – lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines — Executive departments and government agencies should take advantage of the hot and dry season to finish their infrastructure projects, House committee on appropriations chair and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said yesterday.

“Now is the time to accomplish your infrastructure and other capital outlays. Don’t wait for the rainy days and then you will ask for extension of the continuing appropriations. You have a long dry season to build all of the projects,” Co noted.

He added those programs and projects have been approved for this year because there are “urgent needs to be met.”

For the long-term projects, he said timelines are being followed to ensure completion on schedule.

The lawmaker particularly cited projects on flood control, river dredging, roads, bridges, transportation facility repairs and disaster risk reduction and management, which were given “large budgets” by Congress.

He recalled that the leading recurring issues during budget hearings involve “project delays, not completed projects, and unsatisfactory absorptive capacity.”

“We look at not just the percentages of absorptive capacity and project completion, but also at the huge peso values of delays,” he added.

“Do not waste time. Do your jobs well. Make sure all your contractors work well and fast. Do not let the rainy season delay your projects. Maximize the summer months,” Co maintained.