National Irrigation Administration head Antonio Nangel said he found nothing wrong with the the contruction of the Bugko Irrigation Project in Mondragon, Northern Samar.
He said the controversy raised by a television network recently had no basis.
In a staement, Nangel answered the questions point by point citing specific dates and circumstances which the media reportage failed to cover.
On the alleged absence of consultation with stakeholder, he said the NIA held a series of consultations while the project was undergoing Feasibility Study, and before its implementation. The last two consultations were held in Nov. 18, 2011 in Hinabangan, Mondragon and on Dec. 21, 2011 held at Department of Environment and Natural Resources office.
He also rejected claims of damages of the provincial road caused by heavy equipment of NIA contractors.
“Since the existing provincial road is the only access to the project site, it cannot be helped but to use used it,” Nangel said. “And because it is a gravel road, it is expected to be washed out by heavy rains coupled by the passage of the heavy equipment.”
He said Mondragon town, NIA and its contractors agreed that road repair is being lined up.
Project Manager Amadeo Montejo said the environment compliance certificate has been obtained from DENR-Environmental Management Bureau.
Bugko Irrigation is a convergence project involving the town and key government agencies.
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