PINUKPUK, Kalinga – The construction of the Wagod-Ammacian-Taggay Communal Irrigation Project (WATA-CIP), funded under the National Irrigation Administration’s Small Irrigation Project, has resumed after about two years of delay.
Acting Kalinga Irrigation Management Office (KIMO) Manager Engr. Leonardo Lamangen said the construction of the dam under phases 2 and 3 worth P53 million is targeted for completion by end of June this year while the remaining canal under phase 4 amounting to P50M million is expected to be finished by yearend.
The project is expected to irrigate 206 hectares and benefit more than 200 farmers in Wagod and Ammacian, which are listed as conflict affected barangays in the province.
The dam construction started in June 2018 and targeted for completion June of 2020 but was twice suspended. Project implementation was reportedly delayed due to high water level at jobsite, right-of-way claims, incidence of armed conflict between government troops and the New People’s Army, and alleged lack of cooperation of the people as they are not direct beneficiaries.
To settle issues causing the delay, the contractors and WATA members resolved in a memorandum of agreement signed on March 12 that in case contractors need laborers, priority shall be given to people of Wagod. Contractors shall allow “batug ko intrabahuk” for the canal construction on the former’s terms and conditions.
Contractors are required to submit to the barangay officials the list of employees and equipment for security purposes and assign Martin Mamawag as caretaker of construction materials and equipment.
Lamangen reported the construction of Magaogao CIP located at Burayukan is due for completion by March.
The project, which sources water supply from the Aliog River, has a 4.8-kilometer canal work component targeted to irrigate 80 hectares and to benefit 38 farmers.
The NIA-KIMO also turned over the Laya West CIP in Tabuk City to the Jose Anniban Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc.
The phase 1 of the CIP was funded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program- Irrigation Component for 2019 with a project cost of P10M. Works included construction of a diversion weir and a 654-meter lined canal. It was designed to irrigate 54 hectares benefiting 53 farmer- beneficiaries. – Peter A. Balocnit
