Developer assures sound flood control measures

CEBU, Philippines - The developer of Monterrazas de Cebu, which recently resumed works after the lifting of a cease and desist order against them, is confident that the drainage system and flood control measures they put in place were constructed under the most rigid quality and safety standards.

Genvi Development Corp. said that all the measures to prevent a reoccurrence of the flooding incident more than a year ago were planned and implemented by their expert planners, engineers and consultants.

“Plans have been prepared and approved for further improvement of the drainage lines outside the project and we will continue to uphold compliance to flood mitigating and soil erosion control measures,” GDC said in its official statement.

GDC also expressed their gratitude to the Cebu City government for lifting the CDO last July 25.

“Development on the project has now resumed and efforts are being doubled to ensure that Genvi delivers to existing and future buyers. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to our partners, our buyers and the general public, for their continued trust and confidence in us. We are now well underway to the completion of the first mountain resort community in Cebu,” GDC said.

The city government lifted the CDO against the project after the City Planning and Development Office certified that the developer has complied with all the conditions set by the city government.

Cebu City administrator Jose Marie Poblete earlier said that GDC has even gone beyond what it was supposed to do. Aside from the construction of more settling ponds, GDC has also volunteered to undertake flood mitigating projects that were supposed to be done by the city government.

The lifting of the CDO, however, has another set of conditions from the mayor. The mayor wants a regular desilting of settling ponds every three months or as the need arises, major clean-up every six months of Banawa Elementary School and securing a resolution from Barangay Guadalupe certifying that the company has assisted the affected areas and individuals in the rehabilitation of damages brought by the flood and soil erosion caused by the development.

GDC must also submit a monthly activity or progress report to the City Planning and Development Office and take part in the fight against dengue as a Corporate Social Responsibility.

Rama warned the city government can implant a CDO again if the conditions will not be complied with.

GDC earlier said it will comply with the requirements of the city although they have repeatedly insisted their site development is not the cause of flooding in the lowlands. – (FREEMAN)