Construction of the P35-million Bacolod City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (BCDTRC) in Barangay Alijis is expected to start early next year.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who recently met with Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Catalino Cuy to discuss updates on the proposed facility, said that as of yesterday, the project is now subject to bidding.
The mayor said that within a month after the bidding process is completed, a notice to proceed will be issued to the selected contractor.
Leonardia added that he expects the construction to formally begin in the early part of 2019.
The DDB has provided a P10-million financial assistance for the construction of the center. The remaining P25-million funding requirement will be shouldered by the city government.
Last Aug. 17, Cuy arrived in Bacolod for the signing of the memorandum of agreement and turn-over of the check. He also led the groundbreaking rites with Leonardia on the same day.
The drug rehabilitation facility, which will be built on the city government-owned property, will include an administration building, male and female quarters, multi-purpose and mess building, and pavilion. It will accommodate drug surrenderers with severe substance use disorder.
The P10-million assistance provided by the DDB will be used for the construction of the P6.7-million male and female quarters on a 319-square meter space, and for the P3.3-million administration building on a 140-square meter lot.
Bacolod, as the host-local government unit, is tasked to prepare the plans and specifications, program of works, and detailed estimates in accordance with the general plans and specifications provide by the DDB.
The final completion of the project is expected within two years from the date of the notice to proceed issued by the city government to the successful bidder.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/NDB)