The local government here will continue the implementation of the Oplan Kontra Baha after it culminated on June 26.

General Service Office head Engr. Neil Ravena, in an interview on Monday, said the city government has appropriated a budget for the initiative.

He explained that the emergency employment program of the Department of Labor and Employment could no longer be extended because the number of days that were appropriated has been consumed.

“Mayor Raisa Treñas, during the Solid Waste Management Board meeting, said the city will take over. There will be compensation for those who will be tapped to work. Hopefully, this group will finish what we have started,” he said.

The initiative that was launched on May 19, in partnership with national government agencies, undertook the cleaning of waterways or major creeks along Barangays Ticud, Baldoza, Ingore, Caingin, Tabuc Suba, Banuyao and Hinactacan.

It has gathered around 92 tons of solid waste, necessitating 150 truck trips.

Ravena, however, said the cleanup has yet to reach Barangay Caingin, Tabuc Suba in La Paz district and the boundary between La Paz and Jaro districts.

It is set to start next week, although they have yet to determine the actual setup.

“We will design as per the allocation of our budget by the city government. Hopefully, this will finish all the cleaning and clearing operations of the Jaro River. This is also to restore the ecosystem of the river,” he said.

The city government has allocated PHP2 million for the initiative, which will cover not only the Jaro River but also the Batiano and Iloilo rivers. (PNA)