To ensure drainage interconnection: CH offers legal aid for developer

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has offered to provide legal assistance to the developer of Monterrazas de Cebu, a subdivision project blamed for the flooding in Barangay Guadalupe, if only to compel another subdivision to allow them to interconnect their drainage system.

Rama’s offer for legal assistance to Genvi Pacific Corporation came two days after he issued cease and desist order against the company’s development in Guadalupe following the recent flooding in the area.

The on going subdivision project of the company is blamed for the flooding but the officials of the corporation said they could not have the proper out for the water because a nearby Southplains Subdivision, located below their project, would not allow them to interconnect their drainage system.

Southplains Subdivision’s drainage system is already connected to the main drainage system of the city. Rama said he will ask the City Legal Office to study the case and assist the lawyers of Genvi Pacific Corp. if necessary.

“If it has to be legal, then we will go to court. I already foresee that they will be quarreling on this. But everybody must understand that there is an upcoming catastrophe in the lower level,” Rama said.

Rama said the cease and desist order he issued against the development in the area would stay until the company is able to solve the flooding problem.

The mayor said he himself witnessed how the lower part of Guadalupe was flooded by the water coming from Monterrazas de Cebu during a heavy downpour last Saturday.

Rama ordered a daily inspection in the area because of the imminent danger he fears to happen. He also wants to make sure that the operation has stopped.

He said that if the effect of the development of the Monterrazas de Cebu at 35 percent is already overwhelming, how much more if the project is completed without solving the problem in the drainage system.

“I have no choice but to issue,” Rama explained.

The mayor also wants the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to explain why the lots including the natural waterways were titled.

“Nganung na-titulohan man na nga tubig man na? If I can have my way, I will sue all of them for titling the lot that includes the waterway,” Rama said. — (FREEMAN)