JM Basa Drainage Work Paused Until Chinese New Year

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO) announced that the construction of the drainage system project on JM Basa Street in the City Proper will resume after the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The ICDEO, during a meeting with the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), committed to completing the restoration of excavated areas by Monday, December 16, ahead of the holiday rush.

Engr. Joel Gerasmia of the CEO confirmed that the affected lane will be reopened to motorists after restoration, accommodating the expected increase in traffic during the holidays, the Dinagyang Festival, and Chinese New Year.

The Dinagyang Festival 2025 is set for January 24 to 26, with several activities scheduled since its 100-day countdown began on October 18.

The JM Basa Street drainage project, with a budget of PHP 49.4 million, aims to enhance the area’s drainage system by channeling water from Plazoleta Gay and Ledesma Street into a box culvert on Guanco Street.

This setup positions JM Basa Street as a key floodwater pathway from Iznart Street.

The project, spanning from Socorro Drug Store to Guanco Street, was initially slated to run from March 21, 2024, to January 2025.

However, delays have pushed the completion date to April 2025, extending the contract period from 292 to 382 calendar days.

The ICDEO attributed the delay to underground utilities, including telecommunications cables from Globe and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, as well as water lines from Metro Pacific Iloilo Water.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas expressed frustration over the delays after receiving complaints from residents and business owners.

“The residents and businessmen are greatly affected by the delays. Maluoy man kamo tani sa mga Ilonggos!” he said, urging DPWH to expedite the project.