ILOILO – The rehabilitation of the fish port in Concepcion town will be implemented in the second quarter this year.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has provided US$3 million through grant-in-aid for the port rehabilitation under the Iloilo Fishery Development Program, said Mayor Raul Banias.
“KOICA has already sent a certification,” he added.
An initial US$1 million was transferred to the provincial government’s trust account last Dec. 20, 2019.
The remaining US$2 million will be transferred by KOICA once the procurement process is done.
Banias said the procurement may be completed in the next two to three months.
“By about second quarter this year, we can start and it will take about a year and a half for the construction,” he said.
The local government of Concepcion will provide utilities, such as power, water, sewerage, and drainage, and will also bear the costs of resettlement of affected residents.
Banias said the port project will pave way to a more robust and active fishing industry.
Concepcion port facilitates a lot of fishery products every day, and the rehabilitation is expected to make the trading of fish more hygienic.
Aside from the port rehabilitation, the KOICA will also provide training and capacity development to Concepcion fisherfolk, Banias said. (PNA)
