The proposed hydroelectric plant in Kawasan Falls in Badian town has caught the attention of the Kawasan Task Force for being “totally inconsistent with the tourism image” of the place.
Governor Gwen Garcia, who met with the task force yesterday to discuss the Kawasan Falls Ecotourism Development Plan, said it is time to revisit the agreement with the Cebu Electric Cooperative.
The task force is now reviewing how much power the plant, which is not yet in operation, can generate and how it can contribute to the economy of Badian.
One major issue with the hydroelectric plant is located within the 20-meter easement zone, a violation of exiting environmental laws. The plant is located near the first level of the falls.
In a related development, the task force explained that the ban of illegal structures in or near the falls is based on the Water Code. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources stated that obstructing the natural flow of water is illegal.
Rafts have also been banned at the falls following an accident last March when a Korean on a raft was killed after being hit by another Korean diving off a cliff. Diving from cliffs has likewise been banned.
The order was implemented after Cebu Provincial Police Office chief Carmelo Valmoria reported that a lawyer came to the Badian police office to tell them that banning the rafts is not anchored on strong legal grounds, since it was enacted under a resolution and not an ordinance.
An executive order from Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain ordering the implementation of the ban will be furnished to the police who will then show the executive order to people who will question the ban.
Likewise, structures within the 20-meter easement zone will be cleared and relocated to another area. The province will purchase the area for lease.
The task force plans to meet the owners of the establishments so they can present the development plan.
Four of the establishments reportedly have business permits but have no certificates of occupancy so their businesses are still considered illegal. — Garry B. Lao/BRP