JICA grants P800 milyon

CEBU, Philippines —  A safer water for the Cebuanos and the environment is expected soon with the turnover of the ¥2-billion grant agreement or over P800 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Metro Cebu Water District’s (MCWD) septage management project.

The grant will include vacuum trucks, dump trucks, and the septage treatment facility itself, plus the fee for the project consultants.

The formal turnover of the grant from JICA to the city government took place yesterday with City Administrator, lawyer Collin Rosell, and Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia, along with officials from MCWD, in attendance.

Japanese Consul General Hideki Yamaji said such a grant shows that the relationship between Japan and the Philippines remains in good standing.

The septage treatment plant will be established at the North Reclamation Area.

The MCWD said they will comply with the guidelines of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources concerning this facility.

With this structure, it will be safer for wastewater to be thrown into natural waterways and will no longer be harmful to the environment. Wastewater includes those that had been used at homes, businesses, and factories.

MCWD General Manager Edgar Donoso told reporters that they are targeting the project to be finished in 2026. — Sanden Anadia/GAN (CEBU NEWS)