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Songao: Prioritize hemodialysis project
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Posted on Apr 10 2005
Rota senator Diego M. Songao remains firm on his position to keep funds for hemodialysis project until its completion rather than reprogram it now for other project such as the indoor sports facility as proposed by Rota congressman Crispin Ogo.
In a letter to Ogo dated March 31, Songao said that the struggle to fund the Rota hemodialysis treatment facility began way before Ogo became a congressman.
In fact, he said, the fight for the funds was the source of a leadership struggle in the 13th Legislature.
“The senate is now only being cautious and wants to ensure that this project is adequately funded until completion,” said Songao, citing that such kind of project is often subject to cost overruns.
Songao, chairman of the Rota legislative delegation, said that the construction management costs and contingency fees for the hemodialysis project remain unknown.
“It is only prudent to reserve additional funding to cushion any unforeseen costs until the project is completed,” he said.
Ogo earlier wrote the senator informing the latter that he would not agree to the senate’s action.
In a March 29 letter to Songao, Ogo said that he will not relent to any compromise until the project’s fund for his project, Sinapalo Indoor Sports facility, totaling $300,000 is restored.
The congressman earlier introduced House Bill 14-279 reprogramming nearly $1 million allotted for Rota hemodialysis project for other community projects, citing findings that the original project only requires some $500,000.
The hemodialysis center earlier received a $1.5-million appropriation.
When the bill reached the Senate, senators lowered the reprogrammable amount to only $515,000.
Ogo said the delegation was “well-informed by professionals that $500,000 is sufficient to construct and operate the Rota hemodialysis facility.”
Songao said he is not opposed to the indoor sports facility construction but this should take place later – when the dialysis project is done. (Liberty Dones)
