City, agency allot P13M for Butuanon River dev't

CEBU, Philippines – A budget of P13 million has been allocated for the development of the three-meter easement zone for both sides of Butuanon River in Mandaue City.

Engr. Ricardo Mendoza, member of the Butuanon River Management Board, said the 1.5-kilometer easement zone from Cambogaon Bridge up to the Pacific Mall will be the pilot area for a planned beautification project which will include riprapping, fencing, soil protection, landscaping and with the addition of a bicycle lane.

The board has requested for digital elevation model topographical map of the river from the Department of Science and Technology so they can already proceed with the proposed beautification.

With informal settlers of the area already allocated, Mendoza said they can finally execute the plan which he described as "long overdue."

Mendoza said if the project goes without hitches, it is expected to be completed before the year ends.

He also clarified that the P13 million budget, which came from the city government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is only intended for the 1.5-kilometer pilot area within the Barangay Alang-Alang and Barangay Paknaan.

Soon, they will be inviting private companies in the city to beautify certain portions of the river's easement zone.

 "They (remaining stretch) will be computed into linear meters and we will be asking private companies nga kun mahimo mo-adopt sila og portions nga pwede nila i-beautify," Mendoza said.

A small park is envisioned at the sides of Butuanon River where the public can jog and stroll and bike enthusiasts enjoy their pastime.