DENR vows to keep close watch on environmental soundness of Kaliwa Dam project

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu vowed that the government would keep a close eye on the implementation of the Kaliwa Dam project which was recently granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

“We expect the MWSS, as project proponent, to ensure that all activities related to the project are environmentally and socially sound and sustainable,” Cimatu said in a statement.

"Any serious violation or non-compliance with the conditions will result in the cancellation of the ECC," he added.

The multibillion-peso Kaliwa Dam project which will be constructed along Rizal and Quezon provinces is seen to augment the water supply from Angat Dam.

However, it is being strongly opposed by various environmental and indigenous people advocates because of the possible flooding and displacement it may cause.

The grant of the ECC to the MWSS covers the construction and operation of the 60-meter tall dam.

According to the DENR, the ECC was issued by the Environmental Management Bureau to the project after it satisfied the requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.

The Official Development Assistance-funded Kaliwa Dam would have its reservoir surface area sprawling across 291 hectares and its full supply level volume at 57 million cubic meters.

The Commission on Audit (COA) earlier questioned the selection of a Chinese contractor for the project but the MWSS assured that its bidding process strictly complied with relevant laws and guidelines. —NB, GMA News