
New Washington, Aklan- The Php2.8 million KALAHI-CIDSS-funded road project, including slope protection, is currently underway in Sitio Crossing, Barangay Fatima, New Washington, Aklan.
The project includes concreting of a 124.2-meter-long road with an average width of 5 meters and a thickness of 0.20 meters, complemented by 124.2 meters of slope protection and embankment works.
KALAHI-CIDSS provided a Php2,746,000 grant, with additional in-kind contributions from the local government units (LGU and BLGU) and the community, which is crucial for project completion.
Barangay Fatima is a coastal community reliant on fishing, aquaculture, small-scale agriculture, handicrafts, and small businesses.
The improved road will bolster local economic growth by enhancing mobility, access to markets, and essential services, while also promoting disaster resilience through reinforced infrastructure.
Once completed, the road project with slope protection facilitates safer, more reliable transportation, reduces transportation costs for residents and businesses, improves road durability and functionality, mitigates soil erosion and landslide risks via slope protection, and enhances resilience against natural disasters.
The community pushed the construction of the road project with slope protection for KALAHI-CIDSS funding due to a lack of durable infrastructure.
It hampers transportation, safety, and access. Unprotected slopes increase erosion and landslide risks, threatening the roadโs long-term usability.
During the dry season, potholes become visible, and the risk of vehicle damage increases due to the hardening of the ground and dust accumulation. During the wet season, water seeps into the ground, enlarging potholes, causing erosion, creating muddy conditions, and increasing the risk of accidents.
The ongoing construction aims to address these issues, ensuring safer, more durable roads that support the communityโs livelihood and disaster preparedness./dswd/mmc
Photos by: Janilyn Sailog
Community Empowerment Facilitator
New Washington Area Coordinating Team