Source of dengue cases in Hipodromo identified

CEBU, Philippines —  Dengue cases in one sitio under Brgy. Hipodromo, Cebu City have been linked to a blocked waterway by a private development.

This was disclosed by the Cebu City government, led by the city’s infrastructure and housing project overseer, City Councilor Jerry Guardo, who conducted an ocular inspection in Sitio Kahipa of Brgy. Hipodromo recently.

Guardo, alongside Task Force Gubat sa Baha, the Office of the Building Official, the Engineering Department, and Hipodromo’s Brgy. Captain Roberto Bacolod inspected the sitio to determine the cause of stagnant water in the area.

“Natabunan na ang karaan nga kanal…Wala na mag subay ang drainage sa tubig,” Guardo said.

“Ni clog up so ang habitabo, kung nay kusog nga tubig, mu back flow. Ang tendency mu overflow. In fact sa likod stagnant ang tubig, mag pundo ba, and kanay maka cause sa dengue,” Guardo added.

According to Cebu City’s information office, 20 dengue cases, including 12 minors has been reported from the sitio.

Guardo disclosed that they have spoken with representatives of the subdivision to discuss the situation, and to provide assistance, as well as solutions.

Guardo further advised the Office of the Building Office not to issue a fencing permit to the developer, "not unless ma clear nila ang kaning ilang gisarado.”

Aside from that, Guardo also asked barangay officials and the rest to work hand-in-hand in keeping the area clear.

Barangay Captain Bacolod explained that they were not able to clean the concerned area as they had been barred from entering the said private property.

“Wala man siguroy kanal nga way basura…Kana diha, nakita na na diha nga daghang basura gumikan kay di mi kasud ug di mi makapanglimpyo,” Bacolod said.

Bacolod added that the pile of garbage seen are not just also from Hipodromo but also from other area that passed through Kamputhaw river.

“Atong sulbad ani kon tugutan lang gyud mi makasud sa ilang luna,” said Bacolod. (CEBU NEWS)