By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The construction of the irrigation highway worth P2 billion is now underway in Negros Occidental’s Hinoba-an town.

Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao said the project’s major purpose is to irrigate several barangays in Hinoba-an and one in Sipalay City that will cover more than 2,000 hectares with Tiabanan River in Barangay Dawog as the main source.

The barangays that will benefit from the irrigation highway which is about 39 kilometers long are Alim, Asia, Bacuyanhan, Bulwangan, Dawog, San Rafael, and Talacagay in Hinoba-an and Nabulao in Sipalay City.

“The Tiabanan River will also be the source of about 2.4 megawatts of hydro power and a rich source of potable water,” Estrao revealed.

He said public hearings have been conducted and he is hoping the project will not be jeopardized by the opposition who are from outside the municipality just like what happened in supposed to be a huge project in the municipality by foreign investors.

After the public hearing, infrastructure preparation will start, Estrao added.

The project will be funded by the national government through the National Irrigation Administration.

Meanwhile, Estrao also revealed plans to discuss with the mayors of Basay and Bayawan in Negros Oriental the opening of the border in Barangay Sangke in Hinoba-an.

“I will discuss with them our plan to allow residents from their towns in our municipality provided they will only stay here for 12 hours in a day and they must follow and observe health protocols,” Estrao said.

As of this time though resorts and other tourism destinations in the town have been opened but tourists from outside the town are not allowed.

“Those who wish to enter the town are also required to present medical certificates as precautionary measures against COVID-19,” Estrao added./DGB, WDJ