Reblocking to fast track condo project

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor believes that the construction of the two  condominium buildings as resettlement for informal settlers living within the three-meter easement zone along the Mahiga Creek can be expedited now that the site in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel is being reblocked.

DWUP chief Collin Rosell said that one of the reasons why the project has been delayed is the road-right-of-way and that the city government needs to clear some of the structures into the construction site.

“Mas madali kay ang kuwang nato maong di siya ma kuan, one of the issue kay ang clearing man niya karon gi-clear man tibuok so mas madali,” Rosell said.

He explained that the condominium project is now part of the restoration of the area which was hit by a huge fire last week.

“Ang condominium, it’s part of the restoration nga plan so  kinahanglan man to siya sa lugar nga para niya ba so naa man na-integrate siya sa plan,” he said.

Mayor Michael Rama said the reblocking should be finished first before the construction of the condominium buildings.

“First and foremost is to bring them back where they (residents) came from and the only way they can be put back with fewer problems in the future is to reblock,” Rama said.

Rama said the city’s priority is to ensure that the affected residents can rebuild their houses.

Rosell, however, said they are still waiting for the release of the P78 million budget from the national government.

“Naa man gyud na siyay budget, kay ang budget ana 1998 pa man na siya General Appropriation Act so naa gyud na. Pero kon naabot na ba ang kwarta ang advice nalang ang gipaabot pero fix gyud na siya  nga i-release gyud na siya,” Rosell.

According to Rosell, the budget is expected to be released this month or as soon as possible.

Each condominium is a four-story building with 87 units for the Mahiga Creek settlers.  (FREEMAN)