NEDA Board OKs higher costs, timeline extensions of flood control projects

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., approved Tuesday the increased costs and extended construction periods of the Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project and the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project-Phase IV.

"I think maybe the detailed engineering had to compensate for weather changes. And then the housing, wala 'yung housing sa original estimate," Marcos said during the NEDA Board meeting in Malacañang, referring to the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management project.

"The cost will be increased. At least the local component will be increased from the original. That's the only thing that sticks out on the financial analysis. But it's still within the guidelines," he added.

With the project approval, its cost has significantly increased by 122.79% to P22.04 billion from P9.9 billion.

The project's implementation period was originally scheduled from October 2019 to April 2024. However, the NEDA Board approved a 65-month extension, moving the target completion from April 2024 to September 2029.

As of Sept. 30, 2024, the project has an overall physical accomplishment rate of 44.21%, with negative slippage of 55.79%. It has a fund utilization rate of 35.42% or P3,503.84 million already disbursed.

The project seeks to mitigate flood damage in the lower reach of San Juan River Basin and its adjacent Maalimango Creek Drainage Area in Cavite, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

Pasig-Marikina River

For the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase IV, the NEDA Board also approved a 74.32% increase in total project cost to P57.70 billion from P33.10 billion.

There will be a 63-month extension for its project implementation—from December 2025 to March 2031—as well as changes in scope of work such as the design of the Middle Marikina River, the modifications in drainage facilities, and even the additional work.

The Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project aims to mitigate flood damage in Metro Manila that was caused by channel overflow of the Pasig-Marikina River.

It is seen to benefit residents of the cities of Pasig, Marikina, and Quezon City in Metro Manila, and the municipalities of Taytay and Cainta in Rizal. — VDV, GMA Integrated News