City says no mass demolition of creek structures

CEBU, Philippines - The city government yesterday said the eviction of the estimated 3,000 families who are living within easement zone in the city will not be done simultaneously soon.

Cebu City Division Welfare for Urban Poor (DWUP) head Eng. Danilo Gabiana said of the number, only around 14 initial households will be cleared soon to give way to their dredging equipment.

Gabiana said they do not want any form of mass forced evacuation of affected dwellers living on the banks of rivers and creeks in various barangays in Cebu City.

“Unta mag tinabangay sila (affected dwellers) sa syudad kay di ta gusto nga naay force demolition, unta mo-voluntary evacuate nalang sila,” said Gabiana.

“Ang ato’ng unahon, kay di man gyud nato ma-relocate ang 3,000 ka buok kay emergency man ni, ang atong unahon kana’ng ma-igo sa ato’ng mga ekipo aron maka dredge sa sapa,” said Gabiana.

However, Gabiana assured that the city government is currently prioritizing the 14 household which will be cleared to give way to their dredging operations. “Ang nag-ali sa sapa, sila maoy gi-tagaan sa ato’ng syudad og temporary shelter,” he added.

 According to him, the city government is already having problems on where to relocate affected dwellers if total clearing of the three-meter easement zone would push sooner.

He added the city is also considering relocating affected dwellers near their original houses if there are still enough areas for their relocation.

If they fail to have such convenience at their disposal, Gabiana said they are considering housing affected dwellers in container vans just like what the city did for the “Devotee City” during the Sinulog.

“Mangita gyud mi og lugar nga mahimutang gyud sila aron di sila ma uwanan ug safe pud sila,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Gabiana said the dredging of creeks and rivers within the city should be done as soon as possible, adding that affected dwellers should cooperate with the city government to avoid any occurrence freak flooding.      

      “Taas na kaayo ang siltation sa mga kasapa-an, kay kun imong tan-awon, diha sa Mabolo likod sa ilang sports complex gamay na lang kaayo’g agi-anan sa tubig, ang silt niya hapit na gyud motupong sa riprap,” Gabiana said. — (FREEMAN)