[ad_1]
MANILA, Philippines – Infrawatch PH, a group of nongovernmental policy experts, raised more red flags Tuesday over the government’s Manila Bay rehabilitation project, saying it lacked an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and was likely too expensive, and the sole bidder didn’t even offer a discount.
The project, which involved overlaying a part of its shoreline with artificial white sand made from crushed dolomite, generated widespread criticism, with people saying the material posed a danger to human health and biodiversity.
Some people questioned whether a recent fish kill in the bay was caused by dolomite. Many others called on authorities for allowing large crowds to gather at the site without observing physical distancing in violation of quarantine rules.
On the other hand, President Rodrigo Duterte repeatedly defended and praised the project.
But in a statement, Infrawatch PH coordinator Terry Ridon caught the president’s attention and said, “Mr. President, the Manila Bay White Sand Project did not comply with environmental regulations. It has no ECC despite being located in an area with unique tourist potential and historical interest. Projects in these areas require prior construction by ECC under DENR regulations ”.
“The urgent goal of rehabilitating Manila Bay was not to give the public a nice place to visit, as the president said,” he added. “The objective is to improve water quality, protect biodiversity and guarantee sustainable development. As the DENR officials themselves admitted, beach nutrition is not found in any Manila Bay master plan, ”he added.
Several government officials, including Vice President Leni Robredo, criticized the project, saying the money spent on the project could have been better allocated to the government’s response to COVID-19.
This past weekend, curious people flocked to the area when it opened, overwhelming police officers who tried to implement distancing.
Apart from these issues, Infrawatch PH also claimed that there were indications that the project was overpriced.
“Allowing this project to continue without disclosing project costs will undermine the president’s anti-corruption drive,” Ridon said.
“The president must know the following details of the project: there was only one bidder; There was a mere 2.04% variance from the approved P398-M budget. The winning bidder did not offer any discount on the bid price despite being the sole bidder. DPWH did not negotiate a lower project price, ”he added.
Despite the problems related to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, Duterte praised Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu during his prerecorded briefing Monday night for sprucing up the area and making it possible for people to enjoy the famous site. tourist.
Duterte also criticized critics who he said had done nothing more than criticize any project his administration implemented.
[atm]
Read next
EDITOR’S SELECTION
MOST READ
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download from 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For comments, complaints or inquiries, please contact us.
[ad_2]
