Funds for city condominiums yet to be released

CEBU, Philippines - The national government is yet to release the funds for the two condominium buildings to be built at the old Lorega Cemetery in Cebu City.

“Ang sulti sa NHA (National Housing Authority), kinahanglan lang na siya i-follow-up kay signed na man to sa Mayor…toa na man to sa national government for release of fund (The NHA said it needs to be followed up, considering that the mayor has already signed his approval… it’s already with the national government for release of funds),” said Collin Rosell, head of the Cebu City’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).

It has been two months since Rosell said the project is a go. Yesterday, he said there is “lack of implementation for the project.”

Still, he underscored, at least the problem is with execution and not on the source of funds for the project.

“It’s only execution… usahay magproblema kun asa magkuha og kwarta.  Kana puro na naay kwarta (It’s only execution… sometimes we encounter problems on sources of funds. There’s money for this one),” he said.

The condominium will cost P78 million, will have four stories, and with 87 units.

Another P10 million will be needed to develop the site, an undertaking that will include clearing and setting up of a drainage system and fencing.

Rosell said a bone chamber would also be put up to store the bones extracted from the cemetery.

One problem that the city faces is the presence of illegal settlers in the area, a matter that will be discussed during evaluation next month.

“Naa man gyud evaluation nga mahitabo.  That would be included in the evaluation, labi na kanang mag-renew og kontrata parte sa employment sa government service…so usa na siya sa benchmarking (There will be an evaluation. That would be included in the evaluation, especially on those who will be renewing an employment contract with the government… that would be benchmarked),” he said.

The condominiums are intended for a socialized housing for Cebu City residents occupying the three-meter easement zone of the Mahiga Creek. – (FREEMAN)